EIGHTEEN cancer survivors were honoured on Sunday as the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Massy Foundation, hosted its inaugural World Cancer Survivors Day celebration, highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention and support services in Guyana’s fight against cancer.
The event, dubbed “Stories of Strength: Celebrating Survivors,” brought together survivors, healthcare professionals, government officials, corporate partners and community supporters to recognise the resilience of individuals who have overcome cancer and to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.
Delivering the feature address, Chief Executive Officer of the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., Dr Shivani Samlall, paid tribute to the survivors and underscored the organisation’s commitment to improving cancer outcomes across the country.
“Today is about our survivors. Thank you for your courage and your strength. Thank you for showing us what resilience looks like,” Dr Samlall said, adding that the experiences of survivors demonstrate that hope can prevail even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
She explained that the organisation was founded on the principle that no one should die from preventable cancers and that no individual should face the disease alone. Drawing on her experience in healthcare, Dr Samlall highlighted persistent challenges such as delayed screenings, late diagnoses, limited access to information and barriers to treatment and support services.
According to Dr Samlall, the Lotus Cancer Initiative seeks to address those issues through education, prevention, early detection, advocacy and patient support, while complementing national efforts to reduce the burden of cancer.
One of the most emotional aspects of the programme was the sharing of personal testimonies by survivors who recounted their experiences battling the disease.
Cancer survivor and advocate Desiree Edghill reflected on her diagnosis with leiomyosarcoma in 2017, describing how her life changed after years of working to support others through HIV-related programmes.
“Cancer changed my life, but it also strengthened my commitment to helping others,” Edghill said, noting that she continues to advocate for cancer patients and provide support to those facing similar challenges.
Prostate cancer survivor Aubrey Knight used the opportunity to encourage men, particularly those over the age of 40, to undergo regular screenings. He pointed out that advances in testing have made early detection more accessible through simple blood tests, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who attended the event, commended the work of the Lotus Cancer Initiative and urged the organisation to make the survivorship celebration an annual national observance.
The Health Minister said that survivor stories serve as powerful reminders that cancer can be overcome and can help encourage individuals to seek screening and treatment at an early stage.
“Seeing survivors is proof that cancer can be beaten. Their stories help replace fear with hope and motivate others to seek screening and treatment early,” Dr Anthony said.
He also highlighted government’s efforts to reduce cancer rates, including the ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. According to Dr Anthony, increasing HPV vaccine coverage from the current 69 per cent to 90 per cent and maintaining those levels over a five-year period would place Guyana on a clear path towards eliminating cervical cancer.
The event culminated with the recognition of 18 cancer survivors whose stories of perseverance, faith and determination underscored the importance of awareness, prevention and timely access to healthcare.
In a symbolic gesture to mark World Cancer Survivors Day, the Lotus Cancer Initiative partnered with the authorities of the Demerara Harbour Bridge to illuminate the structure in lavender, a colour associated with cancer survivorship. The tribute honoured survivors while also expressing solidarity with individuals currently undergoing treatment.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to its title sponsor, the Massy Foundation, along with other corporate and community partners whose contributions supported the event. Among those in attendance were Region Four Regional Executive Officer, Juan Edghill Jr., Massy Foundation Chairperson, Teisha Milner, and Jean Cristophel of Expertise France.
The Lotus Cancer Initiative’s leadership team includes public health and medical professionals dedicated to advancing cancer awareness and improving access to care throughout Guyana.
As cancer remains a major public health challenge, organisers said the initiative will continue working to ensure that more lives are saved through prevention, education, early diagnosis and compassionate support for patients and their families.
