New strategic plan being formalised to fight cancer in Guyana; Over 6000 new cases diagnosed during 10-year period

According to the Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, while recent statistics are not yet available, if one were to judge by the trend over the 10- year period, then Guyana has every reason to worry, and the need to intervene becomes more imperative.

New strategic plan being formalised to fight cancer in Guyana; Over 6000 new cases diagnosed during 10-year period

The Public Health Ministry is looking at the development of a comprehensive strategic plan to address the state of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDS), in Guyana, especially cancer.

Guyana has been recording a high rate of cancer diagnosis over the past several years.

Between 2003 and 2012, the country recorded 6, 518 cancer cases and that accounts for a large percentage of the population.

Just over 60% of those diagnosed with cancer during that 10-year period were women.

According to the Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, while recent statistics are not yet available, if one were to judge by the trend over the 10- year period, then Guyana has every reason to worry, and the need to intervene becomes more imperative.

During a recent workshop, which focused on non communicable diseases, the Minister said “We have to respond effectively and promptly to threats of NCDs inclusive of cancer, and seek ways to eliminate the preventable loss of life…the prevalence of these diseases are threatening our human resource, which is so pivotal to the social and economic sustainability of our country, therefore our response to the WHO’s appeal for measures to reduce the modifiable risk factors for NCDs, through the creation of health promoting environments must be channelled at every level of our population throughout the length and breadth of Guyana”.

She said that the country’s interventions and control of NCDs and cancer must be strategic and robust, innovative policies must be designed and implemented to impact the gaps, and strengthen the health care system.

The World Health Organisation’s International Monitoring Agency for Non communicable diseases has revealed that these diseases  are the leading cause of deaths worldwide, accounting for some 82 percent of all deaths in humans.

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