GPHC helping to reduce cancer scourge

Breast cancer is still the leading cancer in Guyana, followed by cervical cancer. Not too far behind is prostate cancer. This is based on an analysis by Dr. Morris Edwards, which took into consideration the cancer situation between 2002 and 2012. Prostate cancer was the third leading cancer in this part of the world. Giving attention to the cancer state of affairs recently was Dr. Latoya Gooding who has for a few years been playing an integral part in the treatment of cancer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. She is also a key player behind the Giving Hope Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, which was established in recognition of the need for persons to seek medical attention at an early stage. Based on her observation while at the GPHC, Dr. Gooding was able to deduce that prostate cancer is under-diagnosed, a situation which she has linked to the fact that “men just have not been coming forward to seek medical attention. “The only thing that can confirm that you have prostate cancer is a biopsy.” The required biopsy which is an examination of tissue removed from the body to determine the presence, cause or extent of the cancer, is offered free of cost. The GPHC has been offering even more in its efforts to help reduce the scourge of cancer. According to Dr. Gooding, while in the past the GPHC was not in a position to offer a needed test in order to confirm suspected cases of cancer, this is no longer the situation that obtains. With the availability of the test, she noted that the public hospital is able to offer targeted breast cancer treatment for patient.

(Kaieteurnews.com)