THE Avon Community Help Fund (ACHF), in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee (BCAC), yesterday announced commencement of the seventh Annual Avon Breast Cancer Awareness set of activities for October 2012, to be performed under the theme ‘Early detection helps saves lives’.

Chairperson of the Avon Community Help Fund, Mignon Bowen, said the fund has recognized the importance and need for more educational and awareness programmes in the fight against breast cancer at the community-based level in society.
She also announced that the annual Fitness Walk will take place on Saturday 20th October, 2012 at 06:00 hrs, beginning and ending at the Parade Ground in Georgetown.
“Throughout this month, we would like to remind everyone to wear the pink ribbon as a symbol of (their) commitment to raising the awareness of breast cancer, and (their) support to the patients diagnosed with the disease,” Ms. Bowen stated.
She added that, for the first time, the fund will be collaborating with the Cancer Institute of Guyana.
“The Avon Community Help Fund has decided to undertake another free breast cancer screening and mammogram project. The fund will provide resources to the Cancer Institute of Guyana to cover the cost of breast cancer screening services for patients,” she stated.
General Manager of the Cancer Institute of Guyana, Ms. Fiona Legall, said that this project will not only be undertaken in October, but will be extended to November and December as well. She added that the institute is also offering a package involving mammograms and ultra-sounding of the breast. According to her, if, after the mammogram has been conducted, the radiologist recommends an ultrasound, the institute will also facilitate the patient taking the breast ultrasound free of cost.
Ms. Bowen said the Avon Community Help Fund will continue to advocate for public policies that will provide women access to free mammograms and breast cancer treatment, regardless of their individual incomes.
“We will continue our public outreach programmes to raise the awareness of this disease among women in Guyana, and promote the use of the breast self-examination as a method of early detection,” she noted.
Ms. Bowen expressed gratitude for the donations from committed supporters, who have contributed to the efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer in Guyana.