Guyana Cancer Society renews call for early cancer screening at annual fundraising brunch

The Guyana Cancer Society on Sunday hosted its annual Fundraising Brunch, an event dedicated to reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to cancer prevention, screening and treatment across the country.

Held in honour of distinguished guests Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and his wife, Dr Shanti Singh, the brunch brought together board members, committee representatives, partners, and supporters of the Society for what was described as a “celebration of purpose and compassion.”

In his remarks, Dr Anthony praised the work of the Society, emphasising that collaboration between civil society and public health agencies is “critical to closing the healthcare divide and ensuring lives are saved.” He also encouraged continued community-based screening and awareness programmes, noting that cancer conversations must be normalised.

“It’s a conversation that every household in Guyana should be having,” Dr Anthony said.

Society President, Sharir Chan, reflected on the organisation’s progress over the past year, highlighting that from October 2024 to October 2025, the Society facilitated more than 1,300 mammograms—many of which led to early detection and successful treatment.

“Breast cancer awareness isn’t an October effort,” Chan noted. “It’s a daily conversation. We need to keep up the screenings, treatment efforts, and educational initiatives to make awareness part of everyone’s life.”

He shared a poignant story of a 60-year-old woman who discovered she had breast cancer only after undergoing an unrelated X-ray while hospitalised.

“It’s a wake-up call,” Chan said. “We want you to find out about breast cancer long before it’s a hospital conversation. Let us help you help yourself through early detection.”

The Society also spotlighted its humanitarian and patient-support initiatives, including financial and travel assistance for families seeking treatment abroad. One such case involved a young girl who accessed life-saving treatment overseas through the Society’s intervention.

“It’s not just a brunch to raise funds,” Chan added. “It’s a brunch to raise hope. Every dollar spent, every dollar saved, every act of kindness helps someone survive another day.”

The event saw attendance from representatives of the Ministry of Health, the United States Embassy, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the private sector, and several civil society groups—all united in the cause of advancing cancer awareness in Guyana.

The brunch concluded with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer, followed by an uplifting call to continue prevention, education, and compassion for survivors and their families.

“We are not just an organisation,” Chan affirmed. “We are an army of hope.”