THE free Breast Cancer Screening Programme that is currently being conducted at the Cancer Institute of Guyana with the provision of resources by the Avon Community Help Fund has so far seen 150 patients taking advantage of this opportunity.

This is according to the General Manager of the Cancer Institute of Guyana, Ms. Fiona Legall, who spoke to this publication.
This free service that is being offered to the Guyanese public is a part of the Breast Cancer Awareness activities for October 2012 under the theme “Early detection helps saves lives.”
Ms. Legall noted that the number of persons taking advantage of this opportunity is increasing, with an average of 20 persons being screened every day. She added that one or two of these 20 patients that are screened everyday are required to do a biopsy to determine if they are tested positive for cancer or not.
She explained that persons who are 40 years or older can visit the institute and schedule an appointment. However, persons who are below 40 and have a history of breast cancer in their families, or who conduct   breast self- examinations and discover  lumps in their breasts, are advised to see a doctor, who will then recommend if they should have a breast ultrasound or not.
Ms. Legall said that due to the fact that everyone can’t be facilitated during this month, the free screening services will be extended to November and December. She added that at the end of this three-month exercise, a full statistical report will be compiled.
The free screenings are being conducted at the Cancer Institute of Guyana in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The services are  offered Monday – Friday from 13:00 hours-17:00 hours.