Free breast cancer screening for people without health insurance

This entire month men and women can get breast cancer screening free of charge at Stichting Lobi health Center (SLHC). The foundation which aims at preventing deaths as a result of cancer with this project consciously chose October for the free breast cancer screening because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The breast cancer screening is part of the cancer service package of the SLHC. Women who reside in the Wanica District can get cervical cancer screening free of charge as part of financing by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Canadian government. Clients also get a discount on all cancer screenings. Some women are diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing symptoms, but many women with the disease have no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s vital to get regular mammograms. Although breast cancer occurs more often than cervical cancer, the statistics from the National Cancer Plan 2018-2028 indicate that relatively more women die of cervical cancer. “Every woman who dies as a result of cervical cancer is one too many. Usually there are no symptoms in the early phase which makes cervical cancer silent killer. So do not wait until you see the symptoms because by then it could already be too late. If cervical cancer is detected in the early stage, it can be treated and then there could be a 93 percent chance of survival,” said Nensy Bandhoe, director at the SLHC. About 30 percent of women with cervical cancer and about 20 percent of women with breast cancer are younger than 45. “This is a very alarming situation especially given the fact that cervical cancer can be prevented.” The team of the SLHC will be present at the various clinics of physicians and the RGD located in the Wanica District until the end of October. Women who reside in the Wanica District can get free cervical cancer screening from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Stichting Lobi Health Center located at Lelydorp. People can also opt for the cancer service package which starts at SRD 175. Men can also get breast cancer screening at the main office located in Paramaribo.