FIFTY-nine residents of Diamond and surrounding East Bank Demerara communities have benefited from cancer screening, diagnostic services and health education during a community outreach led by The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical.
The outreach brought a range of specialist cancer-related services closer to residents, with a focus on prevention, early detection and ensuring that patients requiring further care are supported beyond their initial screening.
Women accessed cervical cancer screening, including Pap smears and HPV testing, while colposcopy and cervical biopsies were also available for those requiring further evaluation.
The services are aimed at identifying cervical abnormalities early, allowing for appropriate investigation and treatment before they progress to cancer.
The outreach also provided clinical breast examinations and information on breast health, breast awareness and warning signs that should prompt medical attention. Women requiring further assessment were referred for additional investigations, including mammography.
Men were also engaged through prostate cancer screening and education, with the programme promoting greater awareness of prostate health and encouraging appropriate screening and medical evaluation.
Participants additionally received health education on cancer prevention, risk factors, warning signs, screening and the importance of seeking medical attention at the earliest opportunity.
Founder and Chairperson of The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., Dr Shivani Samlall, said the organisation’s work extends beyond conducting screening tests.
“When I founded Lotus, I wanted us to look beyond the numbers. Every person we meet is someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or friend. Our responsibility is not only to bring screening to communities, but to make sure that people feel supported, informed and valued throughout,” Dr Samlall said.
“If we can help one person find a cancer earlier, prevent a cancer from developing, or give someone the confidence to seek care, then the work we are doing matters.”
Following screening, results are reviewed and communicated directly to patients, who are provided with an explanation of their findings and guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Depending on the results, patients may require routine screening, repeat testing, colposcopy, biopsy, imaging, specialist consultation or treatment.
The patient-navigation approach is intended to address a significant challenge in cancer care — the loss of patients to follow-up after screening.
Lotus noted that completing a screening test is only the first step, since abnormal results that are not communicated, understood or acted upon can result in missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment.
Through its follow-up process, the organisation seeks to help patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their results and remain connected to the next stage of their care.
The initiative forms part of Lotus’ broader effort to strengthen the continuum of cancer care, from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and survivorship.
Lotus also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, community organisations and civil society in expanding access to cancer services.
The organisation expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Oxford Medical, the Diamond Regional Hospital team and members of its Board of Directors, as well as Lotus members and volunteers who contributed to the outreach.
As the organisation continues to expand its community outreach programme across Guyana, Dr Samlall said the focus will remain not only on screening more people, but also on ensuring that patients receive and understand their results and know what steps to take next.
“Cancer care should not end with a screening test. We don’t just screen patients, we stay connected to their care. Screening saves lives. Early diagnosis matters. And access to cancer care should not depend on where someone lives,” Dr Samlall emphasised.