GUYANA– Dedicated cancer facility to be established shortly

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says the government, through the Ministry of Health, will begin work on an Oncology center, which will forever change how cancer patients are managed in the country.

An Oncology center is a medical facility dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching cancer. Patients receive specialized care in treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Anthony disclosed recently when the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Pathology Lab received its GYS 170 Certification.

“We’ve also been working with Mount Sinai on another project…where they’re going to advise us on how to build an Oncology center; what type of equipment we should have in that center,” Anthony shared.

“So that is something you’ll see later this year, and we’ll start crystalizing and getting that started. And I think once we have that center up and running, it will change how we manage cancer patients forever in this country,” he added.

Anthony pointed out at a recent press conference that cancer continues to be a significant health concern in Guyana.

“In terms of cancer, as you know, this is one of the big challenges that we have in our country, and again, we have done quite a lot of work in terms of cancer care,” he said.

Breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer among women, with at least 253 new cases diagnosed in 2024. Prostate cancer follows closely, with 200 cases reported, while 107 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Additionally, 98 persons were diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year.

Anthony also emphasized the importance of prevention and early detection, particularly for breast cancer. To aid in this effort, four mammography machines will be acquired to expand mammography services.

With only one mammography machine operational at GPHC, the four new machines will be installed at the New Amsterdam, Suddie, Lethem, and Linden hospitals.

Last year, 13,688 PSA tests were conducted across all regions, with 2,607 cases identified with elevated PSA levels. Of these, 536 individuals underwent biopsies, resulting in 126 new prostate cancer diagnoses.

In addressing cervical cancer, HPV testing was introduced, with 9,962 tests conducted. Among these, 1,755 individuals tested positive. The ministry expects more cases to be identified through continued routine surveillance.

Colorectal cancer remains a concern, as cases are often detected at advanced stages when symptoms become severe, and treatment options are limited.