–as part of cervical cancer action plan
THE Ministry of Health, and by extension the Government of Guyana, is in talks with international partners to introduce the use of Brachytherapy in Guyana as part of the plan to expand cancer care locally.
This was according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, during his address at the launch of the Action Plan for the elimination of Cervical Cancer in Guyana 2024-2030.

As he spoke on the aspect of care and treatment of this type of cancer, which is the second most prevalent cancer among women, Dr Anthony said that some patients require Brachytherapy as part of their care.

Brachytherapy, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, is a radiation therapy that is given directly into the body and is placed as close to the cancer as possible. This type of radiation is given with the use of tiny devices like wires, rods or seeds filled with radioactive materials.

While the minister noted that Brachytherapy treatment is currently unavailable in the country, commitments have been made to ensure this is pursued.
“We don’t have Brachytherapy available in the country but this is one of the commitments we have made as a country to ensure that we can provide Brachytherapy so we are in the process right now,” he said.

Dr Anthony disclosed that the ministry has been in talks with its partners like Mount Sinai on what a Brachytherapy Unit should look like and the type of equipment that will be needed to furnish such a department.
“Once we get that type of information then we will put that into motion, in terms of building a building, buying the equipment, setting this up and ensuring we can offer those services in Guyana,” the Health Minister said.

Just two months ago, the minister said that the ministry is aiming to expand overall cancer screening, testing and care services across the country to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates.
At that time, he indicated that the ministry was planning to introduce Brachytherapy and noted that they would soon start the process of getting this done.