THE Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Periwinkle Cancer Club to mark World Cancer Day, which is being observed today under the theme: ‘Reduce Stigma and Dispel Myths: Debunk Myths’, as proclaimed by the World Cancer Declaration.Prostrate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are identified as the main cancers affecting the Guyanese population, leaving Guyana with the third highest rate of deaths from cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere.

QUOTE: Prostrate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are identified as the main cancers affecting the Guyanese population, leaving Guyana with the third highest rate of deaths from cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere.

The Health Ministry continues its national response to ensure preventive methods, such as immunisation against cervical cancer and screening, are made available to the general population via these cancer clubs/organisations, namely the “small and vibrant cancer fighters –(such as) the Periwinkle Cancer Club,” Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said.
At a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Minister Ramsaran announced the ministry’s collaboration with the Periwinkle Cancer Club to aid in educating the public, cancer screening campaigns and other cancer awareness and treatment necessities, with the objective of fighting against the chronic disease, cancer.
Present also were founding member of the Periwinkle Cancer Club, Ms. Bridget Callender and the secretary, Ms. Stella Mitchell.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has noted that cancer is becoming more prevalent today, and prostrate cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in Guyana.
On the 30th of December, 2013, the ministry launched a strategy-based campaign which has arrived at the conclusion that: “NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) are becoming an epidemic.”
Minister Ramsaran noted that hypertension, diabetes, asthma and cancer are quite prominent in Guyana today. He also pointed out such cancer risk factors as tobacco smoking, inadequate diet, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.
LEADING CANCERS IN GUYANA
The leading cancers in Guyana are prostrate, breast and cervical. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Periwinkle Club is expected to spearhead a drive against these cancers.
Ms. Mitchell extended her gratitude to the Ministry of Health for assisting the Periwinkle Club in various ways to carry out their activities. She said they are hoping to achieve greater awareness among persons to help them live a longer and more comfortable life by exercising and eating healthy foods.
MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES
She noted that as it relates to exercise, they have implemented martial arts classes to help promote exercise. Dr. Ramsaran pointed out that “30 minutes of moderate exercise is essential per day.”
The club is also fostering education for the survivors of cancer while promoting awareness for early screening. Moreover, they are hoping to partner with the Ministry of Health to conduct Visual Inspection using Ascetic Acid (VIA) in districts that are not easily accessible, given that the VIA helps in identifying precancerous cells in the cervix.
Dr. Ramsaran also noted that “early detection can lead to simple early intervention and good, long term treatment.”
He gladly announced that “the ministry will partner with the Periwinkle Club to push cervical cancer screening” and assist in providing transportation and information flyers.
The Periwinkle Cancer Club has been in existence for over seven consecutive years and so far they have had cancer outreach campaigns in Fort Wellington, Linden and Santa Mission.
A year ago, the HPV vaccine drive was initiated to prevent cervical cancer in women before they become sexually active. And the Periwinkle Cancer Club has been working to promote the use of these vaccines, and is accelerating the drive on the occasion of World Cancer Day.
Following the press conference, a little token of appreciation was presented to the Periwinkle Cancer Club. They received a gift bag of a box of chocolate, a Wellness Warrior T-shirt and perfume. The Wellness Warriors group is another branch of cancer fighters in Guyana.
Dr. Ramsaran said, “I’m happy that you’re advocating to fight against cancer…” as he commended them for their hard work. “We are engaging the Periwinkle Club as a strategic partner to help us mobilise the communities and use their reach because the ministry cannot do it alone.”
Moreover, the club is urging men to undergo screening given that both breast and prostrate cancers are prevalent. Ms. Mitchell concluded that “cancer is not the end of life.”
Written By Shivanie Sugrim