Message from the Minister of Health Hon Dr Frank Anthony

Once again, Guyana joins with the rest of the world to mark World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is geared at raising awareness and education on cancers and pressing individuals across the world to take action against the disease.  This year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap” emphasises the “call to unite our voices and take action.

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death globally and accounted for nearly 10 million deaths, which is around 1 in 6 deaths in 2020.  This plague is not just a global problem but disproportionately affects lower-middle-income countries like Guyana where the majority of deaths occur. In Guyana, cancer is among the five most common causes of death ranging from cancers of the breast, cervix, prostate and colorectal regions are too frequently a diagnosis many of which are in advanced stages.

In Guyana, cancer remains one of the most common causes of premature death and a significant challenge in our healthcare system affecting men, women and children. Sadly, this illness remains a taboo topic among Guyanese, with many persons having a sense of fear, shame and hopelessness at the mere mention of the word CANCER, let alone a diagnosis. 

This year’s theme speaks to championing the call to fight against cancer by raising awareness of prevention and working to ensure equitable access to early detection, detection, treatment and palliative care services.

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we must ACT against cancer by informing and encouraging healthy practices for prevention and early detection. For non-medical professionals, this may raise the question “What Can I Do?”

Cancer prevention starts with you, your family and the daily choices you make which can reduce your risk of developing cancers by 30-40%. These include:

  • avoiding tobacco in all its forms- smoking, vaping, chewing (tobacco use is responsible for 22% of cancer deaths globally).
  • maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) with routine physical activity and exercise.
  • eating healthy diets consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
  • avoiding excessive alcohol use.

You can further reduce your risk for specific cancers by subscribing to proven best practices. Be sure to discuss these best practices listed below with your community doctor:

  • Vaccinating young girls and boys (9-16 years) against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus has been shown to cause cancers, especially Cervical Cancer.
  • Vaccination of high-risk groups against Hepatitis B virus.
  • Reducing exposure to chemicals (e.g., pesticides) by wearing protective gear.
  • Decreasing over-exposure to sunlight which may lead to skin cancer.
  • Seeking routine health checks and cancer screenings at your community doctor and clinic.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will continue to work with our international partners and local stakeholders to upgrade our health facilities and empower healthcare workers to ensure that all Guyanese have equitable access to the highest quality of care aimed at awareness and prevention, early diagnosis and staging, timely access to appropriate treatment and palliative care and support.

In this year’s national budget, the Government of Guyana has allocated $GY3.5 Billion to fight cervical cancer. This will aid in facilitating the rollout of a national campaign to increase vaccination coverage among girls 9-16 years of age, both in school and out of schools with the single-dose shot and a two-dose vaccination process for girls and women 17 to 45 years of age. The campaign will also cater for the robust roll-out of a screening programme for cervical cancer for women 30 years and older using either of the three methods:

  • Pap Smear
  • Visual Inspection Using Acetic Acid
  • HPV Testing

This screening approach is intended to detect cervical disease which when treated can prevent cervical cancer. All women eligible for screening will be given a voucher valued at GY$8000 which can be used at selected private health facilities that are certified to conduct screening.

The Health Ministry will continue its work in partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Corporations and the Presidential National Commission on NCDs to increase awareness through public education, offering increased access to screenings for all other cancers.

As we take the time to observe World Cancer Day 2024, I charge you, to make a personal pledge towards the fight against cancer, whether it be helping to raise awareness, or lending support to those diagnosed and their family. Every voice and helpful act counts.

I encourage those who have survived their battles with cancer and those who have lost loved ones to be bold, and courageous and to share their stories that may inspire us to take a closer look at ourselves.

Cancer is real, it is serious, and it does not discriminate by age, race, sex or social or economic status. It can affect any one of us, therefore it is important that we continue to work together for better cancer prevention and control.