GCF’s Bibi Hassan wants men and women to get screened

By Wendella Davidson

BREAST cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. Global statistics show that about one in every eight females is likely to get breast cancer at some point. While it is rare in men (one in every 1,000 men will develop the disease), Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF), Bibi Hassan encourages both men and women to get screened.

The good news is most persons can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram is the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually during the month of October when several organisations, like the GCF, seek to further, raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of being tested to individuals, families and communities.

The GCF, WHICH was registered in 2016, is located at Lot 9 Sheriff Street & Third Avenue, Subryanville. It is a non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that is committed to raising funds and providing initiatives to help in the battle against cancer. Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, the founder said that some 14 years ago she joined the campaign in the fight against cancer while serving as the treasurer of the Avon Community Health Fund.

But she got the impetus to intensify the fight when in 2013 her mother was diagnosed with Stage Two breast cancer and Bibi Hassan was daily by her side as the caregiver. Her mom is now cancer-free but Bibi Hassan continues to relentlessly carry on the fight.

Committed to the cause, the GCF has organised several fund-raising events and volunteer services, targeting low income and uninsured area communities. Through the volunteer services, they have been offering clinical breast examination, cervical cancer/HPV screening, glucose and cholesterol testing and free counselling, prostate cancer screening, blood pressure, and group sessions for cancer survivors and fighters.

Through early detection, education, awareness and free screening the GCF has been providing help and inspiring hope in those affected by cancer and too, seeking to reintegrate cancer survivors back into society while also widening support system in respective communities.

The GCF, during its outreaches, collaborates with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Medical Relief Council and Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, and with assistance from volunteer doctors and nurse, have seen countless persons suffering from a range of illnesses such as colon, breast, brain throat, prostate and cervical and brain cancer.

Also during the outreaches, some persons have been given referrals to the Guyana Cancer Institute or the Oncology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical attention.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019, Hassan encourages both men and women to get screened. The GCF will in addition to participating in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT’s `Pinktober’ active, also continue its routine outreaches and screening.
On Thursday the GCF held its annual tree wrapping exercise, which saw its members and volunteers, decorating all of the trees lining the Camp Street Avenue, between Lamaha and Church Streets with pink sashes emblazoned with the words `Get Screened for Cancer Today’. Today, a church service is scheduled to be held at Christ Church, followed by No Bra Day on October 13, in support of both men and women who have lost their breast from cancer. October 18 will be observed as International Day of Wear it Pink, and on the same day will also celebrate National Mammography Day.

As the name of the latter observance suggests, Hassan says she is in the process of collaborating with the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital to have about 100 persons tested on that day. Persons desirous of benefitting from the service will, however, need to make contact with the GCF.

On Saturday, October 26, 2019, the GCF with its members and 23 cancer survivors will participate in the popular `Pinktober’ 5k or 10k Cancer Walk and Run, an activity that will see hundreds of persons, some with children in tow, undertaking the distance in recognition of cancer awareness.