The Guyana Pharmacists’ Association (GPA) has helped make 47 free breast cancer screenings available to women as part of its 2026 Pinktober campaign, reinforcing the importance of early detection and access to preventive healthcare.
The month-long initiative culminated in a blood drive and free health screening exercise on Saturday, October 31, at Massy Stores, Giftland Mall, Georgetown. Massy Stores sponsored the closing event.
In a statement issued on November 6, the Association said its partnership with Woodlands Limited enabled it to mobilise funding for 37 clinical mammogram screenings for women in need. Woodlands Hospital contributed an additional 10 free screenings, bringing the total number available to 47.
The initiative formed part of the GPA’s wider efforts to remove financial barriers to preventive healthcare and encourage women to seek screening before symptoms develop.
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide and is among the cancers affecting women in Guyana. Early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes, making access to appropriate screening and timely medical care particularly important.
The GPA said its Pinktober activities were designed not only to raise awareness but also to connect members of the public with practical healthcare services.
GPA President Kwame Waldron emphasised that preventing avoidable illness requires sustained public education, access to healthcare and individual commitment.
“Early detection can save lives, but it begins with awareness, access and the willingness to take that first step towards screening. Through our Pinktober activities, the Guyana Pharmacists’ Association sought to remind the public that taking care of our health must be a year-round priority, not just a once-a-year commitment.
We believe that building healthier communities requires collective action, greater access to preventive healthcare and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their well-being. Our commitment to service extends beyond the pharmacy counter and into the communities we serve.”
The Association also joined One Communication Guyana’s Pinktober awareness walk on Sunday, October 25, reinforcing its message that breast cancer awareness must translate into action.
Beyond the community outreach activities, the GPA used its radio platforms to educate the public on cancer prevention, screening and other health concerns.
Throughout October, daily health tips were shared through its programme, The Daily Dose, while the October 20 edition of Pharmacist on Call featured Dr Shanique Greaves, the Ministry of Health’s Cancer Coordinator, and pharmacist Akima Sandiford-Simmons.
The discussion focused on breast and cervical cancers, including the effectiveness, safety and recommendations surrounding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and measures to prevent HPV-related cancers.
HPV vaccination is an important preventive measure against cervical cancer and several other HPV-related cancers. Combined with appropriate screening, vaccination can help reduce the burden of preventable disease.
The GPA’s October 31 closing event extended its outreach beyond breast cancer awareness, providing members of the public with access to free HPV screening, blood glucose testing, blood pressure checks and other laboratory tests.
Ministry of Health vouchers were also distributed, providing another avenue through which members of the public could access healthcare services.
The blood drive added a further dimension to the campaign by encouraging voluntary blood donation, which supports the availability of blood for patients requiring transfusions, including those undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment or experiencing medical emergencies.
The Association expressed appreciation to Massy Stores, the Ministry of Health, Woodlands Limited, New Vision Medical Center Inc., The Family Pharmacy and everyone who participated in screenings, joined the awareness walk or donated blood.
While October is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the GPA stressed that preventive healthcare must remain a priority throughout the year.
Its campaign highlighted the role pharmacists can play beyond dispensing medication, particularly through public education, community outreach, preventive screening initiatives and partnerships that improve access to healthcare.
The Association urged Guyanese to make regular health checks part of their routine and to seek professional medical advice about appropriate cancer screening.
The Guyana Pharmacists’ Association is the professional body representing pharmacists in Guyana and is committed to advancing the pharmacy profession while promoting improved health outcomes nationwide.
