528 new cancer patients recorded so far this year – GPHC

• breast cancer accounted for about 20.3% of new cases

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded 528 new cancer patients at its Oncology Clinic between January and August 2026.

The stats were shared during the hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a pinning ceremony on Thursday, which brought together cancer patients and survivors, healthcare workers and supporters to highlight the importance of early detection, treatment and support.

GPHC operates the country’s main cancer treatment centre through its Oncology Clinic, where cancer treatment is provided free of charge to Guyanese. The clinic also treats patients from other Caribbean countries who travel to Guyana for care.

According to figures released by GPHC, the clinic recorded 4115 follow-up visits during the first eight months of 2026. During the same period, 321 patients commenced chemotherapy, while 214 completed their chemotherapy treatment.

Cancer services are also being extended outside Georgetown through the hospital’s outreach clinic in Region Six (Berbice). Between January and August, the outreach clinic recorded 10 new patients and 360 follow-up visits for chemotherapy treatment.

The Oncology Clinic is staffed by a 22-member team comprising doctors, nurses, clerks, Patient Care Assistants, a pharmacist and a social worker. The team provides oncology services from Monday to Friday and supports patients through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Breast cancer cases

Head of the Oncology Department, Dr Latoya Gooding said there has been progress in breast cancer care, including a decline in late-stage diagnoses.

She said 107 new breast cancer cases have been recorded at the clinic so far this year, adding that increased awareness may be contributing to more people seeking medical care. “Breast cancer can be detected early, treatment is available, and people know where they can come to get treatment,” Gooding said.

She also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing standardised first-line cancer care. “Every patient, once you walk through this door, you will be treated with standardised first-line care that is available anywhere in the world. And that is our commitment to you,” she said.

Early detection remains important

GPHC acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Navindranauth Rambaran, said early detection remains important in improving cancer outcomes. “We also want to diagnose it very early and prevent it. It’s heartening now to see that we are seeing these cases at the earliest stage, and that fosters well for better outcomes,” Rambaran said.

The ceremony also featured personal accounts from people who have experienced cancer. GPHC staff member and breast cancer patient, Dr Gina Chin spoke about the fear and uncertainty she experienced after being diagnosed at age 31, while acknowledging the support she received during her treatment.

Cancer survivor Goberdhan Ramautar also shared his experience, saying, “Life is not meant to be feared. It’s your perspective and how you want to accept it. And I choose to fight.”

Nine-year cancer survivor and Giving Hope Cancer Ambassador Desiree Edghill said the pink awareness pin symbolised more than the campaign itself. “A pin may be small, but what it represents is powerful. It represents awareness, courage, hope, support, and the promise that no one has to walk this journey alone,” Edghill said.

GPHC is urging members of the public to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to learn about the disease, discuss early detection, seek appropriate screening and pay attention to changes in their health. The hospital is promoting the message: “This October, know. Check. Act.”