The commissioning of a state-of-the-art Siemens mammogram machine at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) marks a key moment in the expansion of breast cancer screening services in Guyana. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has once again demonstrated the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility by ensuring that advanced diagnostic tools are made available beyond the confines of the capital city.
With a price tag of approximately $43 million, this mammogram machine is a significant investment in public health. It is globally recognized for its exceptional depth resolution and diagnostic accuracy, making it a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer. The importance of such technology cannot be overstated, as early diagnosis often translates into higher survival rates and more effective treatment options.
Previously, mammography services in the public healthcare system were limited to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). As a result, women from outlying regions, including the Essequibo Coast, were compelled to travel long distances for screenings, often at considerable financial and personal inconvenience. By decentralising these services, the Government is not only increasing accessibility, but is also encouraging more women to undergo routine screenings, a critical factor in combatting breast cancer.
This latest initiative follows closely on the heels of another significant development — commissioning of a similar mammogram machine at the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) just weeks ago. These efforts signal a strategic and well-coordinated approach by the Ministry of Health to enhance cancer detection services nationwide. With each new installation, the Government is actively bridging the healthcare gap and strengthening the fight against a disease that affects countless women and families in Guyana.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women globally, and Guyana is no exception. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection, followed by timely treatment, significantly reduces mortality rates. However, early detection hinges on accessibility, awareness, and affordability — three factors that have historically been barriers for many in the country’s rural and hinterland regions. The placement of advanced mammogram machines outside of Georgetown is a crucial step in dismantling those barriers and ensuring that no woman is denied lifesaving screening due to geographic constraints.
Beyond the procurement of advanced technology, public awareness campaigns must complement these efforts. Many women still hesitate to undergo mammography due to fear, misinformation, or a lack of understanding about the importance of early screening. It is imperative that the ministry, in collaboration with local health officials, embarks on aggressive educational campaigns to encourage women to make use of these new facilities. Community outreach programmes, partnerships with civil society organizations, and mobile health units can play a crucial role in maximising the impact of these machines.
Moreover, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of these machines requires sustained investment in healthcare personnel. The Government must continue to train radiologists and technicians to operate these state-of-the-art devices efficiently, ensuring accurate diagnoses and prompt follow-ups. Routine maintenance and technical support must also be prioritised to prevent service disruptions that could hinder screening efforts.
While the commissioning of these mammogram machines represents a laudable step forward, it is essential that this momentum is maintained. Other regions, particularly those in the interior, must also benefit from similar expansion in diagnostic services. A comprehensive national cancer strategy should include not only mammography, but also enhanced treatment facilities, greater access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and support services for patients and their families.
Ultimately, the installation of mammogram machines in regions Two and Ten is a step in the right direction — one that brings hope to thousands of women, who now have a better chance at early breast cancer detection and treatment.
