“Cancer prevention is on you!” – Lindeners hear

─ Deputy Chief Medical Officer educates Lindeners on facts of Cancer prevention 

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, March 5, 2019

“I will choose to avoid the trans fats. I will exercise regularly, three to four times per week for at least 30 minutes per session. I will avoid exposure to tobacco whether, first, second or third-hand smoke. I will avoid excessive use of alcohol which has been linked to chronic liver disease.”

This charge was delivered to Lindeners, over the weekend, by Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Campbell. She was addressing residents gathered, as the ministry hosted a cancer awareness concert at the Mackenzie Market Square on March 2.

In tandem with the theme of the observance of World Cancer Day – ‘I am and I will’ – Dr. Campbell underscored that this charge speaks to what an individual must be aware of and be prepared to do to prevent and fight cancer.

Cognisant that she was speaking to a predominantly Christian community, the DCMO premised her speech on letting people know that their health is dependent on both correct action and faith – partnering with the health workers and God to either prevent cancers and other chronic diseases or to help treatment and healing.

Also, the DCMO indicated that with all the services and opportunities available to prevent cancer, individuals must take stock of their own lives to contribute to the reduction of new diagnoses in all types of cancer.

There are simple steps that could be taken to start to prevent or even fight cancer. “We can protect ourselves and loved ones by – Eating well, fruits are nature’s own cancer-fighting agents! Vegetables daily, water 6-8 glasses, avoid sugary drinks sodas.” Dr. Campbell advised.

Speaking to those who may have already been diagnosed, she said, “If you have been diagnosed with cancer and want to believe in God for healing that is fine, but please take your treatment too. Sometimes God chooses to heal you through the same doctors.”

The DCMO encouraged the breast self-examination for women and in other cases a mammogram. To detect cancer of the cervix, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or a Pap Smear can be done.

For men, a prostate examination is required to detect the possibility of Prostate Cancer, especially if they are 50 and older. Also, if a person has a prolonged cough, breathing complication and anything related to the lung, one should get screened for Lung Cancer.

Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Lung Cancer are the leading causes of death in Guyana followed by other non-Communicable Diseases including Diabetes and chronic Heart conditions.

Delicia Haynes.

Images: Aubrey Odle (Ministry of Public Health).