By Shawnette Fiedtkou
Health professionals in Region 10 are the first to be briefed on a national prostate cancer screening exercise to be conducted countrywide by the Ministry of Health through the Men’s Health Unit.
The Ministry of Health, through its Men’s Health Unit, partnered with the Region 10 Health Department to launch a National Prostate Cancer Screening Programme in Linden with a workshop targeting health professionals.
Dr. Sawan Jagnarain, a family and public health practitioner attached to the Men’s Health Unit, explained how the national screening plan will work.
“We want to screen everyone,” he emphasized, outlining the criteria for screening men aged 45-69.
The national screening program, if successful, will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean and is being spearheaded by Urologist Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj.
Dr. Jagnarain highlighted the importance of health professionals prioritizing men seeking medical attention, citing their reluctance to access healthcare.
He reminded them to maintain confidentiality as stated in their Hippocratic oath.
Moreover, Dr. Jagnarain noted that prostate screening does not necessarily involve a rectal exam, with technological advancements making digital rectal exams accessible.
During the workshop hosted at the Watooka Guest House, health professionals were given a detailed lecture on prostate disease.
The program will be rolled out in regions 2, 4, and 1 in the coming days as the Men’s Health Unit aims to reach all communities in Guyana.