Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent form of the disease among Guyanese women, says Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.
He made this disclosure recently when his ministry handed over six Cryotherapy Machines to Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Health Offices.
The machines will aid in providing cervical cancer screening and treatment for women 30 to 65-years-old.
During his brief remarks, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony explained that the ministry has been working to reduce the fiscal burden of testing for cervical cancer in Guyana thereby increasing screening across the Regions.
In addition, he highlighted that the machines will detect abnormal cells in women and enable early treatment to prevent other complications.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020.
About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Two human papillomaviruses (HPV) types (16 and 18) are responsible for nearly 50% of high-grade cervical pre-cancers.
HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity. More than 90% of them clear the infection eventually.
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV. Vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions is a cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
