-new oncology centre to be commissioned soon

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded a decrease in the number of patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr. Gillisa D’Aguiar, a doctor attached to the hospital’s oncology department, shared this positive revelation with persons who were at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the parking lot of the GPHC on Sunday.

Breast cancer is the top cancer in women, both in the developed and the developing world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing world, which includes Guyana, due to increased life expectancy, increased urbanisation and the adoption of western lifestyles. Although records show that the prevalence of this disease is expected to rise, there has been a notable decrease in the number of patients over the past three years at the GPHC.

Statistics show that the number of patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer moved from 125 in 2015 to 86 last year and so far for this year 65 new patients have been registered at the GPHC. Dr. D’Aguiar said the decrease was significant, but they are unsure whether it was due to persons not being screened or it was a natural decrease. “In many instances, patients do not utilise the screening services offered by the hospital or NGOs, therefore, most of the times they get caught in the late stages when there is little or nothing that can be done,” lamented the doctor.

I HAVE HOPE
She however pointed out that there is still hope and this year they intend to make the most of Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme, “I have hope…Get screened! Early detection saves lives.”
During this month, teams will be dispatched across the country to conduct screening for not just breast cancer, but also for cervical and oral cavity cancer. The medical professional said this month will be another step in reassuring the public about the high quality of health care and services that are offered by the hospital. Their intent this year is to maintain hard work, while raising awareness and educating the public about the benefits of early detection of cancers.

Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) in Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow, echoed the sentiments of Dr. D’Aguiar and stressed the point that early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
“Although some risk reduction might be achieved with prevention, these strategies cannot eliminate the majority of breast cancers that develop in low and middle-income countries where breast cancer is diagnosed in very late stages. Therefore, early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control,” he said.

According to Dr. Adu-Krow, over 1.3 million persons are diagnosed with breast cancer on a yearly basis. In an effort to ensure Guyana does its part to at least reduce that figure, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, George Lewis, said they were granted permission in this year’s budget to construct new and better facilities to house the oncology department. It is expected to be commissioned at the end of this month. He told the gathering about the commitment of GPHC to promoting early detection, so they have procured a new mammography machine that will improve the services which they offer.