-prostate cancer now most prevalent type
Cancer advocate Bibi Saeedah Hassan has renewed her call for the government to establish a low-cost radiation therapy centre, saying the expense of treatment remains beyond the reach of many patients.
Hassan, president and a founding member of the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF), told Kiskadee Watch that she has been advocating for such a facility since 2020.
She said treatment at the privately owned Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG), located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound, can cost between $500,000 and more than $1 million. According to Hassan, some patients are unable to afford the treatment they need.
The government provides financial assistance to some patients receiving radiation therapy at the institute. However, Hassan maintains that a more affordable service is needed.
She also expressed concern about the foundation’s access to cancer data, saying requests to the Ministry of Health for information have not yielded the details needed to assess treatment outcomes.
“The Ministry of Health does not share information with us, even though we have asked, so we don’t know the success rate of treatment here,” she said.
According to Hassan, the foundation relies largely on information released publicly by the ministry and on accounts from patients.
Hassan said funding remains a major constraint on the foundation’s ability to assist patients, particularly those with low incomes and without insurance.
She said that during a meeting in April 2021, President Irfaan Ali pledged an annual $1 million subvention to the foundation. However, according to her, no payment has been received despite several follow-up attempts, during which she was directed to the Ministry of Health.
Corporate donations have helped sustain the organisation’s work. Hassan said longstanding sponsors continue to provide support, while other companies have come forward in recent years.
Breast cancer awareness
An advocate for the past 21 years, Hassan is encouraging public participation in the foundation’s activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed under the theme “Every story is unique, Every journey matters”.
The programme began with the wrapping of trees on Camp Street on October 2.
“No Bra Day” will be observed on October 13, with women encouraged to participate to promote discussion about breast cancer, awareness of changes in their breasts and early detection.
“Men are asked to put on a bra over their shirt in solidarity with women,” Hassan said.
According to her, the observance was introduced in Guyana in 2011.
The annual Breast Cancer Walk is scheduled for October 18 at 6 am, starting at the Kingston Bandstand. Participants will proceed along High Street into Main Street to the Bank of Guyana before returning along Main Street to the bandstand.
“Wear it Pink Friday” will be observed on October 23 in support of breast cancer survivors, to recognise advocates and to remember those who have died.
A candlelight vigil will follow on October 28 outside the foundation’s office at 351 East Street, North Cummingsburg, opposite GPHC, between Lamaha and New Market streets. The vigil will honour survivors, people undergoing treatment and those who have lost their lives to cancer.
Hassan said sustained public education, screening and early intervention remain priorities, even as prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Guyana. She cited Ministry of Health information indicating that prostate cancer accounts for approximately 31 per cent of new cancer diagnoses.
She also noted the work of the men’s organisation Brocode in promoting prostate cancer awareness and screening.
Hassan believes the campaigns conducted by the former Avon Community Help Fund and subsequently the GCF have helped more women and men recognise the importance of screening and seeking treatment early.
During October, schools, non-governmental organisations and other bodies regularly seek the foundation’s assistance in arranging talks or inviting survivors to share their experiences. The foundation also distributes doorknob hangers carrying information on breast self-examination.
Hassan welcomed the government’s provision of vouchers for cervical and prostate cancer screening, some of which have been allocated to the foundation. She urged eligible women and men to use the service.
She also encouraged parents to seek information about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and have eligible children vaccinated through the Ministry of Health’s programme.
“I believe in the HPV vaccines. I encourage all those who are eligible to take them,” she said.
Hassan similarly urged people to take advantage of available screening services.
“If government offers free mammogram, take it. Free screenings take advantage of them. Free ultrasound, take it.”
Foundation’s work
The foundation’s work grew out of Hassan’s involvement with the Avon Community Help Fund, a charity associated with the international beauty and cosmetics company.
She initially joined its Guyana board as a committee member and was subsequently elected treasurer, serving from 2005 until the fund was disbanded in January 2015.
Hassan said she was encouraged to continue its breast cancer work independently. She co-founded the GCF with the late Dr Raveendranath Ichlangod, known as Dr Ravi, an Indian gynaecologist and associate oncologist who had made Guyana his home.
Dr Ichlangod served as the foundation’s vice-president until his death in 2023. Dr Guy Lowe now holds that position.
Over the years, the foundation has undertaken medical outreaches with the Ministry of Health and private organisations, facilitated screening and referrals, and helped patients seek funding for surgery and radiation therapy. It also provides breast prostheses, conducts awareness campaigns and supports survivors through its Survivors’ Club.
Hassan said some screening services previously supported by the foundation are now provided by the government.
“For cancer diagnosis we referred to public hospitals. We did cervical cancer screenings at St Joseph Mercy Hospital for several years, but we do not do it anymore because the government has taken over that service. We still do screening and awareness for breast cancer.”
Among those currently receiving the foundation’s assistance is a six-year-old girl with liver cancer who, Hassan said, underwent successful surgery in India two weeks before the interview. The child’s mother donated part of her liver.
Hassan said additional funding would allow the foundation to assist more patients who have limited options for support.
She left her job in sales and marketing in 2018 to work full-time with the organisation.
Her advocacy also has a personal dimension. Her mother, now 84, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer and underwent radiation therapy in 2008. Hassan, who cared for her during treatment, said her mother has remained cancer-free since then.
Hassan has received several awards for her advocacy and fundraising, including recognition from the US Embassy in 2018 and the US Army’s Horizons team in 2019.
In 2024, she received an Influential Women Leaders Award from the Guyana Women’s Chamber of Commerce for her charitable work. She received the Lyndell Danzie Black Legacy Award in December 2025 and has also been a recipient of the Avon President’s Council Award.
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