I must say it brings me great pleasure and relief to read that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will introduce a unit for detecting and treating colon cancer.

I remember my mother visiting the GPHC after complaining of pains in the lower back, she was tested by doctors but because the hospital did not have the capabilities a test for colon cancer was not done. An abnormal growth was detected and mistakenly diagnosed as a cyst.

Years after that incident while overseas my mother visited the hospital because of the same pains; she underwent various tests and was subsequently diagnosed with colon cancer.

Since colon cancer can be detected by the age of 45 and easily removed, I think if the GPHC had these capabilities then my motherxs life might have been saved.

I cannot tell you Mr. Editor what the cost for her stay and treatment in that hospital overseas did to my familyxs financial resources.

I was able to visit her only once, because I live in Guyana and it still hurts to think about not being there for her at a time when I believe she needed me the most.

My mother lost her fight with colon cancer in 2003, when we were told by the doctor that there was nothing more to be done for her, my family made the decision to bring her home where she could have spent her last days with the persons she cared for the most – her children.

Mr. Editor I believe the introduction of this new unit at GPHC will benefit Guyanese tremendously. Early detection is the protection, it will reduce the cost for these tests considerably and persons who are battling this terrible disease can be with their loved ones.

I also think that it will aid in the reduction of persons infected with colon cancer.

I understand that the unit will also possess the capabilities to address a number of other diseases prevalent in the Caribbean.

To government and the administration of the GPHC, I say a heartfelt thank you; you have indeed proven that you have the comfort and well being of Guyanese at heart.
MELISSA JAMESON