GPHC Highlights Importance of Early Detection During Uterine Cancer Awareness Programme
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), hosted a Uterine Cancer Awareness Programme to conclude its month-long observance of Uterine Cancer Awareness. The ceremony brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, cancer survivors, medical students and members of the public to promote education, early detection and comprehensive cancer care.
The programme formed part of a wider awareness campaign led by the department throughout June, which included digital education, patient information sessions, survivor stories, and clinic talks, aimed at empowering women to recognize the warning signs of uterine cancer and seek timely medical care.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Rafi Rozan, Chief Obstetrician and Gynecologist Consultant, REI and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, highlighted the growing prevalence of gynaecological cancers globally, and in Guyana. He noted that uterine cancer cases have increased significantly worldwide, while many women in Guyana continue to present with advanced disease due to delayed diagnosis. Dr. Rozan emphasized that abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding are the warning signs. He stressed that increasing public awareness is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes.
Dr. Rozan also highlighted GPHC’s expanding capacity to provide comprehensive gynaecologic oncology services, noting that the hospital offers the full care, from screening and diagnosis through surgery, chemotherapy, pathology services and multidisciplinary case management. He highlighted the GPHC Obstetrics and Gynaecology Tumor Board, re-established in 2024, as Guyana’s most comprehensive and leading multidisciplinary forum for managing gynaecologic cancers.
Brief remarks were delivered by Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, Director of Medical and Professional Services, on behalf of Chief Executive Officer Mr. Robbie Rambarran. He commended the department for championing uterine cancer awareness, and reiterated GPHC’s commitment to strengthening local expertise and expanding specialist gynaecologic oncology services. He noted that GPHC remains the country’s only institution providing comprehensive medical and surgical management for gynaecological cancers, ensuring women have access to life-saving, multidisciplinary care close to home.
The programme also featured remarks by Dr. Narine Singh, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Guyana, who spoke on the importance of treating patients with compassion ans respect, as well as national efforts and future developments in strengthening cancer care across Guyana.
Educational presentations followed from a multidisciplinary team of experts. Dr. Abel Ning, Medical Oncologist, discussed new treatment options for uterine cancer, while Dr. Legna Marques, Pathologist, highlighted the role of immunohistochemistry in improving cancer diagnosis and guiding personalized treatment. Dr. Mohammed Taha Hussein Alsayed shared his experience in advancing gynaecologic oncology services at GPHC, outlining both achievements and ongoing challenges.
Recognizing that cancer care extends beyond medical treatment, Dr. Stephon Henry, Psychiatrist, addressed the importance of emotional wellbeing throughout the cancer journey, while Ms. Djamilsa Lambert, Dietitian, spoke on the vital role of nutrition before, during and after treatment.
A particularly moving segment featured Ms. Hollita Nedd, a uterine cancer survivor, who shared her personal journey and encouraged women to seek medical attention early if they experience concerning symptoms.
In addition to the formal programme, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology hosted an educational exhibition booth in the hospital compound, where doctors, residents and medical students engaged patients and visitors in one-on-one discussions about uterine cancer. Educational brochures were distributed, questions were answered, and members of the public learned about risk factors, warning signs, screening options and the specialized services available at GPHC.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Latoya Young, Senior Medical Registrar, followed by a pledge reaffirming the collective commitment to raising awareness about uterine cancer and improving women’s health across Guyana.
Through initiatives such as this, GPHC continues to strengthen public education while reinforcing its role as the nation’s leader in comprehensive gynaecologic oncology care. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology hopes that increased awareness will encourage more women to recognize early warning signs, seek prompt medical evaluation and ultimately improve survival outcomes.
