Female NA Prison inmates get cervical cancer screening

FEMALE inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison, in Berbice, the lone penitentiary for women, have benefitted from cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), in an effort to prevent the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells.

The screenings were held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection Sexual Offense and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) website, in Guyana 6, 518 cases of cancer were reported between 2003 and 2012, with an average incidence of 86.7 cases per 100,000 population. The most common types were breast, cervical and uterine and prostate cancer.

Dr Unadai Rattan, Coordinator of Women’s Health at the Ministry of Public Health, told local reporters that apart from the screening, physical and breast examination, general discussions will be held on women’s health and hygiene, the human papillomavirus vaccine, signs and symptoms of breast cancer, menstrual cycle along with signs and symptoms of menopause .

Further, inmates will be enlightened on family planning options as it was a burning issue for the women, whose ages range from 19 years to over 75 years. Several are incarcerated for offences such as trafficking in narcotics and murder.

Meanwhile, Ms. Akelia Doris, Manager, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence, Counselling Unit of the Ministry of Social Protection, noted that the ministry has had a long-standing relationship with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), and as part of its rehabilitation programme they were invited to engage in a partnership regarding the female inmates’ self-development and empowerment, in an effort of improving their self-worth.

It is expected that the key knowledge and skills garnered will be utilised even after the inmates would have completed their prison terms.

Apart from the discussions and examinations, 60 hygiene packs will be given to each inmate to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual health, so that they can feel inspired to take control of their lives.

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