By Tracy Romalho
Women aged 21 to 65 are being encouraged to undergo cervical cancer screening, as early detection can significantly increase treatment success.
Dr. Lachmie Lall, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Programme at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that cervical cancer, though the second most prevalent cancer in Guyana, is preventable and curable if diagnosed early.
In a recent episode of Health Matters, Dr. Lall emphasized the importance of routine screening and urged women to take advantage of the Ministry of Health’s Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, which offers an $8,000 voucher for screening.
She also pointed out that most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus known for causing genital warts.
Dr. Lall outlined key symptoms of cervical cancer, such as abnormal discharges, which often prompt women to seek medical attention.
She stressed that screening and early treatment can lead to a better quality of life.