The Cancer Institute of Guyana was officially opened June 1, 2006, and, the month of October, was designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for enforcing awareness campaigns on educating Guyanese about the disease.
Breast cancer a common cause of cancer deaths, where it has been reported that some 70 percent of women, diagnosed with breast cancer are over 55 years.
The CIG has continuously partnered with NGOs such as the Periwinkle Club, an organization that is involved in helping persons prevent, cope with and rehabilitate from cancer, including breast cancer; the Avon Community Help Fund (ACHF), which annually donates to organisations, or sponsors related events; and the Guyana Cancer Association which, among other things, along with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre’s orthotic and prosthetic department, manufactures low-cost breast prostheses for women who have had a mastectomy.
This year, the CIG is offering free mammograms for women over 40 during the months of October into November, to ensure as many women as possible benefit from the medical technology and expertise of the CIG. The offer especially targets, but is not limited to, uninsured and low-income women, who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of screening.
The CIG and ACHF are unanimous in their concern that women take advantage of the occasion to get tested as early as possible so as to begin treatment, if needed, to ensure a better survival rate.
Radiation Oncologist at the Institute, Dr Narendra Bhalla, especially appealed to women in remote, rural areas to make the effort to be tested since they are usually low-income earners who, either from lack of awareness or finances, generally arrive at the institute when the cancer is tragically at a too advanced state.
This year, Bhalla made a public presentation on the disease as part of the month’s breast cancer awareness activities. Other activities earlier included a “wear pink” day in support of breast cancer awareness, while some breast cancer survivors are to be treated to spas and makeovers by private business entities. The annual breast cancer walk, sponsored by beauty conglomerate Avon (Guyana), was scheduled for Saturday, Oct 19.
In addition, a candle light vigil at the CIG clinic is expected to be held this Friday, Oct 25 as the month draws to a close.
This year also, entertainment group Hits and Jams has come onboard the fight against breast cancer, with the organization of a walk to be held Sunday, Oct 27. The group also pledges to educate with its infomercial on breast cancer awareness.
Mobile phone giant Digicel (Guyana) is also contributing to activities during the month with a cycling race in collaboration with the Guyana Cycle Federation and the Roraima Bikers Club, sponsored to convey breast cancer awareness, as part of their contribution to the fight against breast cancer in Guyana.
Breast cancer survivors share common stories of courage and determination in the face of hardships and challenges in coping with the disease, which often include the physical side effects of chemotherapy such as rapid weight loss, hair loss and, in some cases, damage to other organs; surgery, and the emotional effects on themselves and family.
Many find solace in their spirituality; others find lifestyle changes and attitudes essential to surviving the disease and preventing recurrence. Sadly, yet others find themselves alone as spouses or family abandon them during this difficult period, while some women refuse treatment, preferring to face and accept their death from the disease.
In 2012, well-known Guyanese singer Pamela Maynard lost her battle with breast cancer, and died in Canada in November at the age of 58.
Guyana Times Sunday Magazine urges all Guyanese women to get tested. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
