By Kimberly Giddings
February 11, 2025
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men globally and is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Guyana.
Health officials report that a significant number of cases are being diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing the chances of successful treatment.
Medical experts identify several contributing factors, including genetic predisposition, social determinants, tumor aggressiveness, and poor health-seeking behaviors.
Myths surrounding prostate cancer, along with limited access to screening and treatment, have also been linked to delays in diagnosis.
Men over the age of 45, particularly those of Afro-descent or with a family history of the disease, are at higher risk.
Screening for prostate cancer primarily involves a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures the levels of PSA in the bloodstream.
Elevated PSA levels indicate potential prostate issues, though not all cases signal cancer.
Additional tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans are conducted to determine whether the cancer is confined to the prostate or has spread to other areas.
If detected early, prostate cancer can be treated through either surgery, which involves the removal of the prostate gland, or radiation therapy, which targets and destroys cancer cells.
However, if the disease has already spread beyond the prostate at the time of diagnosis, it is no longer curable.
Treatment for advanced-stage prostate cancer focuses on slowing disease progression, managing symptoms, and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones, particularly the spine, can cause severe back pain and may lead to fractures or paralysis if left untreated.
Recent data show that half of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Guyana are already at Stage 4, making curative treatment impossible.
In 2024, a total of 15,000 PSA tests were conducted in both public and private healthcare facilities, with 136 men confirmed to have prostate cancer.
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of early screening and regular check-ups to improve prostate cancer outcomes in Guyana.