-women to now access free breast cancer screening

WOMEN in Region Two will now have access to free breast cancer screening following the acquisition and installation of a state-of-the-art mammogram machine at the Suddie Public Hospital.

This major healthcare advancement was officially disclosed by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Friday, when he officially opened a Mammography Room at the hospital.

Dr. Anthony and Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, participated in the symbolic ribbon cutting exercise. Among those present were Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh.

In his remarks, Dr. Anthony highlighted that, in 2024, women from Region Two had to travel to Georgetown for mammograms. However, with the new machine at the Suddie Hospital, they can now access free chest X-rays and follow-up biopsies closer to home.

With regards to the early detection of breast cancer, the minister said that his ministry has procured four mammogram machines, which have been strategically placed at the hospitals in Suddie, Linden, Berbice, and Lethem. This he emphasised will make screenings for the disease more accessible to women across Guyana.

Dr. Anthony strongly encouraged all women ages 40 to 65, to get their mammograms done at Suddie Hospital, emphasising the importance of early detection in saving lives.

In addition to breast cancer screening, Dr. Anthony spoke about the efforts being made to prevent cervical cancer. He disclosed that the HPV vaccine which is available for children ages nine to 15. Girls and women, ages 16 to 45 can also take the vaccine, he said adding that free HPV Testing Vouchers are also available.

Dr Anthony said that during last year, the government issued vouchers worth $8,000 each for HPV testing at certified labs. Through this programme, some 12,000 women were tested, with 2,000 of them receiving positive results.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony stressed that fighting cancer requires partnerships between the government, healthcare providers, and communities.

He urged women to take advantage of the available vouchers and to get tested to protect their health.

The installation of the mammogram machine at Suddie Hospital is a significant step in enhancing women’s healthcare and ensuring that early detection services are accessible to all women in Region Two.