Cancer prevention and early detection depend on access to accurate information, screening, timely diagnosis and appropriate care. These priorities were at the centre of a recent community cancer outreach conducted by The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Oxford Medical, which provided 59 individuals from Diamond and surrounding communities on the East Bank of Demerara with access to cancer screening, diagnostic services and health education.
The outreach brought a range of specialist cancer-related services closer to residents, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early detection.
A major component of the initiative was cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Women were provided with cervical cancer screening, including Pap smears and HPV testing. Colposcopy and cervical biopsies were also available for women requiring further evaluation. These services are critical in identifying cervical abnormalities early, allowing for appropriate investigation and treatment before they progress to cancer.
The outreach also addressed breast cancer awareness and screening. Women received clinical breast examinations, along with information on breast health, breast awareness and the warning signs that should prompt medical attention. Where further assessment was indicated, women were referred for additional investigations, including mammography.
Men were also engaged through prostate cancer screening and education, promoting greater awareness of prostate health and encouraging men to seek appropriate screening and medical evaluation.
In addition to the clinical services, participants benefited from health education sessions addressing cancer prevention, risk factors, warning signs, screening and the importance of seeking medical attention at the earliest opportunity.
The Work Continues After Screening
For Lotus, the outreach does not end when the last patient leaves.
An important part of the organisation’s approach is patient follow-up and navigation after screening. Results are reviewed and communicated directly to patients, who are provided with an explanation of their findings and guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Depending on the results, this may include routine screening, repeat testing, colposcopy, biopsy, imaging, specialist consultation or treatment.
This patient-navigation approach seeks to address one of the critical challenges in cancer care: loss to follow-up after screening.
Completing a screening test is only the first step. If an abnormal result is not communicated, understood or acted upon, an important opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment can be lost. Lotus therefore works to help patients navigate the healthcare system, understand their results and remain connected to the next stage of their care.
“When I founded Lotus, I wanted us to look beyond the numbers. Every person we meet is someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or friend. Our responsibility is not only to bring screening to communities, but to make sure that people feel supported, informed and valued throughout. If we can help one person find a cancer earlier, prevent a cancer from developing, or give someone the confidence to seek care, then the work we are doing matters,” said Dr. Shivani Samlall, Founder and Chairperson of The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc.
Through this approach, Lotus is working to strengthen a continuum of cancer care, from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and survivorship.
The initiative also highlights the value of collaboration among government, healthcare providers, community organisations and civil society in expanding access to cancer services.
Lotus expressed its appreciation to all those who contributed to the outreach, including the Ministry of Health, the Oxford Medical Team, the Diamond Regional Hospital team, including members of the hospital’s Board of Directors, as well as Lotus members and volunteers.
As Lotus continues to expand its community outreach programme across Guyana, its goal is not simply to screen more people, but to ensure that individuals who are screened receive their results, understand what those results mean and know what steps to take next.
“Cancer care should not end with a screening test. We don’t just screen patients, we stay connected to their care. Screening saves lives. Early diagnosis matters. And access to cancer care should not depend on where someone lives,” Dr. Samlall emphasised.
