Local telecommunications company, GTT has allocated $4 million from its ongoing PinkTober fund to the diagnostic testing and treatment of cancer patients in Guyana.

Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World Cancer Day on Thursday.

GTT’s Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens, explained that the Cancer Institute of Guyana will provide the treatment while the Oncology Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) would identify patients to access the services as they have done in the past.

Last year the company collaborated with the Institute to offer similar services, which resulted in  20 patients being able to access treatment and diagnostic testing in the Linden, Bartica, East Bank, West Coast, East Coast and West Bank Demerara areas.

Gittens highlighted that of the 20 patients, 55 percent completed CT scans for diagnostic purposes, while 70 percent accessed radiation treatment. Of those who benefited, fifty percent were diagnosed with breast cancer while 45 percent were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Gittens shared that “…those being assisted were between the ages of 39 to 78 years old.”

“The loss of lives and livelihoods due to cancer in Guyana is alarming. GTT remains committed to reducing this burden on our Guyanese society by saving lives using the Pinktober fund and promoting awareness, screening, diagnosis and treatment. We are grateful for every individual who contributed to the Pinktober Funds through the purchase of a bottle or just making a donation. Our give is on your behalf – we are in this together,” Gittens reminded.

GTT’s Pinktober initiative, is a fund raising and awareness initiative; 100% of all funds raised go directly back into cancer care and treatment in Guyana.

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