Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
Breast Cancer Awareness Month…Support integral to help those affected by the chronic illness – Health Minister
The support of family, friends and others (co-survivors) can help those diagnosed with breast cancer through treatment and beyond.
This was highlighted by Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran during a recent awareness activity, marking the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran presents a token to a member of the Periwinkle Club, earlier this year
During the activity, participants were given important tips on how they can provide support to those affected by the disease.
The Minister said that statistics have shown that Breast and Cervical Cancer remain the leading causes of cancer related deaths among women in Guyana and around the world.
According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) earlier this year, the Ministry of Health has listed cancer as the third leading cause of mortality in Guyana with Ischemic Heart Diseases coming at second and Cerebrovascular Diseases at number one. Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are the main categories affecting the Guyanese population.
The report shows that Guyana has the third highest rate of cervical cancer in the Western hemisphere. Afro-Guyanese account for over 65% of prostate cancer, and Indo-Guyanese women had the highest cases of breast cancer-45%.
During the period of 2004-2011, over 3400 persons died from various forms of cancer, with the largest number of deaths being 621 in 2011.
However, Minister Ramasaran noted that the Ministry has been implementing programmes and strategies to aggressively tackle this issue.
It continues its national response to ensure preventative methods such as immunisation against cervical cancer and screening are made available to the population, and has also put in place a programme for young women to undertake the Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) or a Pap screening for cervical cancer. Thus far, over 15,000 people have been tested for cervical cancer.
Although genetic influences increase the risk for developing certain cancers, lifestyles, diets and socio-economic status also play a significant role in the determination of who will be afflicted. Minister Ramasaran said that support is vital to persons battling the disease.
As part of its efforts, Ramsaran noted that the Ministry has partnered with non-governmental organizations and various support groups to continue to raise awareness for the cause.
“Our key focus is maintaining momentum spreading awareness and getting the key persons and agencies involved. For instance, encouraging the men to get involved to show physical and emotional support for their wives and partners at this time is critical to them overcoming this illness,” the Minister said.
He noted that a significant number of men were involved in this year’s awareness activities.
The Minister said that support groups like the Periwinkle Club – cancer survivors providing support for patients diagnosed with the chronic disease – have been instrumental in helping to raise awareness and making a difference in lives of those affected by the illness.
He noted that the Health Ministry has been continually working and strengthening its connections with the various support base groups and organizations.
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