THE Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has noted that a significant number of cancer deaths can largely be reduced and prevented through many strategies, including primary prevention, early detection, management, and treatment of patients with cancer.

World Cancer Day was observed on Monday, February 4, under the theme: “I Am and I Will”. The observance called to focus the individual attention needed to combat the ailment.

Breast and cervical cancer are the leading causes of cancer deaths in women, while among Caribbean men, prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths, with lung cancer being second, according to the CARPHA.

A release from the organisation noted that cancer is the second leading cause of death, in the Caribbean. But Epidemiologist and Senior Technical Officer, Non-Communicable Diseases at CARPHA, Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton said: “Nearly one-half of cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early.”

Dr. Brereton further noted that cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in the Caribbean, remains a significant public health problem.

“The number of deaths from cervical cancer is very concerning because this is the only cancer, which is preventable through screening, early detection, treatment and vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV),” the release noted.

Cervical cancer accounted for 4.5 per cent to 18.2 per cent of cancer deaths in the English-and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, according to research done by the CARPHA. Further, research also shows that cervical cancer deaths are two to nine times higher in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, compared to the USA.

Further research done by a team of medical professionals, including Dr. Brereton, highlighted the suitability and need for accelerated implementation of the 9-valent HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in the Caribbean.

“Vaccination and screening programmes are effective interventions to reduce the burden of specific types of cancer,” the release affirmed.

Common prevention measures include avoiding the use of tobacco, limiting alcohol use, keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

“Participation in screening programmes is strongly encouraged for the prevention of cervical cancer and early detection of breast, colon and rectum cancer; and being vaccinated against and Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV),” the CARPHA said.

However, according to the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), access to services remains a major challenge for many women and men in Guyana. In an attempt to remedy this, the GRPA has been offering free and low-cost services to all Guyanese men and women.

In fact, on World Cancer Day, the association offered free breast and testicular exams and offered discounts on all other cancer screening services provided.

Cognisant that breast and cervical cancer are leading causes of deaths among women in the Caribbean, Programmes Officer at the GRPA, Jairo Rodrigues explained that much focus has been placed on de-stigmatising testing for these.

“Unfortunately, women often come when it’s too late,” Rodrigues said.

“Everyone can help reduce the burden of cancer if we each take responsibility for our health. A person’s risk of developing cancer can be substantially reduced through the adoption of healthy lifestyles and the practice of appropriate health-seeking behaviours,” the CARPHA said.