— greater attention to be paid to screening, diagnosis, treatment and support

Cancer has been identified as the third leading cause of death in Guyana as this country

joined others the world over in observance of World Cancer Day Saturday last.
World Cancer Day is a global observance held on February 4, each year. For the period 2016-2018, a three-year campaign has been launched to raise awareness for everyone to work together to combat this worldwide and multi-faceted disease.
For this three year period, World Cancer Day will be observed each year under the theme: “We can. I can.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO), explains that cancer is a generic term used to define a number of diseases affecting the body – all caused by the uncontrolled growth of certain cells.
It has also noted that there are more than 100 different types of cancer, each of which requires special diagnosis and treatment.

The WHO estimates that 8.2 million people die each year from some type of cancer which is equivalent to an estimated 13 per cent of all deaths worldwide.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said cancer is the third leading cause of death in Guyana after cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases.
The Public Health Ministry, has recorded some 6,518 new cases of cancer in Guyana between the years 2003-2012.

According to Dr. Shamdeo, in 2010, some 669 cancer cases were recorded; in 2011, 692 cases; in 2012, 687 cases; in 2013, 670 cases; in 2014, 694 cases; and in 2015, a staggering 517 cases.
Statistical data about cancer and cancer cases in Guyana for the year 2016 are still in a preliminary state at the Cancer Registry, the Chief Medical Officer said.

These data, he said, play a vital role in informing the Ministry’s response in combating cancer, even as he pointed out the need for a comprehensive system to tackle the prevention, protection and treatment of the disease.
The Ministry of Public Health focuses mainly on prevention and protection, screening, diagnosis, treatment and cancer support.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
Dr Persaud said the Ministry promotes early diagnosis and treatment, but places much emphasis on enhancing its prevention and protection efforts.
Limiting exposure to mercury, lead, tobacco smoke and alcohol are all areas the Ministry strives to enforce, according to Dr Persaud.
He mentioned that the Ministry is eyeing combating alcohol control by extending the age limit for legal alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 years.

He also posited that the impeccable immunisation system of the Ministry is a major effort in the fight against cancer.
Immunisation against certain viral infections can prevent cancer cells from developing.
Immunisation against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is known for causing cervical cancer and Hepatitis B, which is known for causing cancer in the liver, are two such instances where the Ministry’s immunisation system aids in protecting against cancer causing diseases.

SCREENING, DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT
Dr Persaud said screening and treatment are also thoroughly promoted by the Ministry which also strongly advocates for women aged 18 and onwards to learn how to detect the breast cancer indicator—a lump in the breast.
They are also urged to take advantage of the quick and free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) treatment available which screen for cervical cancer.

Males above 40 are also encouraged to have prostate examination at least once a year.
In 2016, reports of breast cancer at the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) decreased by 31 per cent, General Medical Officer (GMO) attached to the Oncology Unit of the hospital, Dr Latoya Gooding, said on Saturday at an event to commemorate World Cancer Day.

Lorlene Ramsundar, a GPHC medic who has played a key role in the deliverance of VIA screening in Guyana since its introduction in 2009, said screening involves the application of vinegar to the mouth of the cervix and results are obtained one minute later.
She explained that there are 17 sites across Guyana where persons can go to be checked, and assured that all practitioners abide by the code of confidentiality.
According to her, Guyana is acknowledged as having the highest cure rate of cervical cancer in the Caribbean. The rate is between 90-95%.

100 PER CENT PREVENTABLE
“Cervical cancer is almost 100 per cent preventable if you access the care early,” she said.
One point stressed by the three medical personnel, is that there is a dire need for early detection so that treatment to combat this life-threatening disease would be able to extend one’s life span for as long as possible.
Cancer is an incurable disease, but early detection can prevent the spread of the disease and reduce its severity.

The Ministry is working closely with the Cancer Institute in the area of diagnosis, said Dr. Shamdeo, who noted that “We don’t have the full capacity yet and some of the more advanced diagnostics are done overseas.”
However, all imaging required (such as x-Rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds) are done here, through a company that has been contracted by the Ministry.
The GPHC and the Cancer Institute both are equipped to provide chemotherapy and the Cancer Institute is further equipped to conduct radiotherapy.

At the GPHC Oncology Unit, diagnosis and treatment is free.
The Beacon Foundation, Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central and the Giving Hope Foundation, are among NGOs which work with the Ministry to provide support for persons with cancer.
Regional health facilities are also used and the Ministry is looking to provide support for patients in hinterland areas.

As countries the world over celebrate World Cancer Day, the Chief Medical Officer advised that persons should pay attention to healthier diets by eating more wholesome foods, avoid tobacco, too much sugar and do regular checkups.
World Cancer Day was established in Paris on February 4, 2000, by the Paris Charter and adopted at the World Summit against Cancer for the New Millennium.
The Charter aimed at promotion of research for curing as well as preventing the disease, upgrading services provided to the patients and mobilisation of the global community against cancer.