– 40 residents benefit from cervical, breast and prostate cancer services
THE Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical Centre, has provided cancer screening, diagnostic and educational services to 40 individuals during a community outreach at the Enmore Regional Hospital.
The initiative, held recently, brought preventive healthcare and specialist follow-up services closer to residents while supporting national efforts to improve cancer awareness, promote early detection and strengthen access to timely care.
Women participating in the outreach received cervical cancer screening through Pap smears and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Those with abnormal screening results were also offered specialist diagnostic services, including colposcopy examinations and biopsies where clinically indicated.
Clinical breast examinations and breast health education were provided, while women who met the relevant criteria were referred for mammography. Men benefited from prostate cancer screening and information on maintaining prostate health.
A significant outcome of the exercise was that several women with previously abnormal cervical cancer screening results were able to receive follow-up diagnostic care, including colposcopy and biopsy services.
The initiative said the outcome highlighted the importance of community-based healthcare programmes in improving access to specialist services and helping to ensure continuity of care for patients who require further assessment after an abnormal screening result.
Founder and Chairperson of The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., Dr. Shivani Samlall, said cancer prevention involves more than conducting initial screening tests and requires ensuring that patients can access appropriate follow-up care.
“Every abnormal screening result represents an opportunity to prevent cancer, and every patient deserves the chance to access the next step in their care,” Dr. Samlall said.
“Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and our community partners, we are helping to strengthen the continuum of care by bringing services closer to communities and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey.”
Participants also received information on HPV infection, cervical cancer prevention, breast health, prostate health and the importance of routine medical examinations.
The educational component was aimed at helping individuals make informed decisions about their health while encouraging greater participation in preventive healthcare and routine cancer screening.
The outreach forms part of the Lotus Cancer Initiative’s broader efforts to support national programmes aimed at reducing the burden of common cancers through public education, routine screening, early diagnosis and timely referrals for treatment.
The organisation noted that early detection remains among the most effective approaches to improving treatment outcomes and reducing cancer-related illness and deaths.
The initiative also reflects continuing efforts to expand access to cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening services across Guyana through collaboration among healthcare providers, regional health authorities, community organisations and development partners.
The Lotus Cancer Initiative said it will continue working with the Ministry of Health, healthcare professionals and community partners to strengthen cancer prevention, promote early detection, improve patient education and expand access to quality healthcare services across the country.
