Screening must move from awareness to action

The expansion of cancer screening and treatment services in Guyana is an important investment in public health, but the benefits of that investment can only be realised if more people make use of the services available. The low level of participation in screening programmes deserves greater national attention, particularly as several of the country’s most common cancers can be detected earlier, allowing treatment to begin before conditions become more complicated.
The figures presented at the launch of Pinktober 2026 is a reminder of the importance of early detection. Prostate, breast, cervical and colorectal cancers account for 46 per cent of the 704 cancer diagnoses recorded so far this year. These figures underline the need for screening to become a more routine part of healthcare rather than an intervention sought only when symptoms become apparent.
Guyana has made significant progress in expanding access; as a decade ago, mammography services were far more limited. Today, mammography machines are available at public health facilities in Georgetown, Suddie, Linden, New Amsterdam and Lethem, in addition to services offered in the private sector. Yet only 1667 mammograms have been conducted from January to date.
The disparity between increased access and limited utilisation requires attention. Infrastructure and equipment are essential, but they cannot by themselves improve health outcomes. Public awareness, education and community mobilisation are equally important. This is where NGOs, community organisations, churches, workplaces and other trusted institutions can make a meaningful contribution by encouraging people to take advantage of screening opportunities.
The significance of early detection is particularly evident in breast cancer. Of those screened so far, 6.4 per cent tested positive. A positive screening result, however, does not represent the end of the road. It provides an opportunity for further investigation and treatment. Guyana has strengthened its capacity in this area, including through modern pathology services and access to telepathology for second opinions. Importantly, these services are available to citizens without cost.
The same principle applies to cervical cancer, which presents an even greater opportunity for prevention. The expansion of HPV vaccination is a major public health measure, with coverage among children aged nine to 15 increasing from about 16 per cent to almost 70 per cent. The target of 90 per cent coverage must remain firmly in sight if Guyana is to build the level of protection required to make meaningful progress towards eliminating cervical cancer.
Approximately 24,000 cervical cancer tests have been conducted through the $8000 voucher programme, with about 4000 positive results. These numbers show both the value of testing and the need to ensure that available vouchers are actually used. The inclusion of women aged 16 to 45 in the programme further expands the opportunity for prevention and early intervention.
Men, too, must take greater responsibility for their health, as prostate cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Guyana, with 137 new cases recorded from January to date. While there is no single specific screening test for prostate cancer, PSA testing can help identify possible problems that require further investigation. The availability of a $10,000 universal health voucher provides another avenue for men to access testing.
The planned expansion of colonoscopy services to six regional hospitals is another welcome development. Greater access outside Georgetown can help address geographical barriers and provide earlier investigation for colorectal cancer, for which 43 new cases have already been diagnosed this year.
The central message is healthcare services have limited value if they remain underused. Screening can identify disease before complications develop, when treatment can be more manageable and outcomes can be improved.
Pinktober should extend outside awareness campaigns and become a catalyst for action. Greater public education, stronger community outreach and more active participation in screening programmes are necessary. NGOs have an important role to play in reaching communities, distributing information and encouraging the use of available services.
Cancer prevention and early detection cannot rest solely on the health sector. It requires a wider national effort involving families, communities, employers, civil society and individuals. The facilities, vaccines, vouchers and diagnostic services now available provide important tools. The next step is ensuring that more Guyanese use them.