Arya Ali – First Lady of Guyana, joined countries and communities around the world to bring much-needed attention to breast cancer, as we officially usher in Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists breast cancer as the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.
Though tremendous strides have been made in research and treatment, we are still nowhere close to finding a cure. Therefore, the single most effective tool in the fight against breast cancer remains early detection.
This is why I played my part today to provide support to the Guyana Cancer Foundation, for 50 women to be tested over the next few months. I also declared the Main St. avenue, the ‘Avenue of Hope’ during breast cancer awareness month, and unveiled an arch which will serve as a reminder of the victims and survivors of breast cancer.
I wish to remind each of us that a Guyanese woman is a great woman. Whether she is a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, an engineer, or even a stay at home mom. Let us be reminded of how great we are as women. We must ensure we protect the life of every Guyanese woman.
It is for this reason that our collective effort is so important in creating that level of awareness and moving women, policy makers and health care professionals to action changes that are necessary.
We must have a proactive, consistent education programme, supported by strong screening programmes, and international financial institutions must consider the plight of disadvantaged countries when mobilizing resources.
