Minister Anthony: Only 36 per cent of men using screening vouchers as prostate cancer tops list in Guyana

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has warned that more men must take advantage of government-provided screening vouchers, noting that only 36 per cent of men are using the service despite prostate cancer being the leading cancer affecting men in the country.

Anthony said the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test offered through the programme serves as an important early warning tool, although it does not provide a definitive diagnosis.

“Once we see abnormalities, we refer patients for biopsies so that we can confirm the diagnosis and start treatment,” he explained, noting that the programme has already helped doctors diagnose more men at an earlier stage.
“We have actually been able to diagnose more people earlier with prostate cancer and bring them into care. Now we want more men to get themselves tested,” Anthony said.

His comments came as he also outlined broader efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare, including the expansion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening programme aimed at eliminating cervical cancer.
Anthony said testing in Guyana has identified multiple HPV strains, prompting the country to adopt the nine-valent HPV vaccine, which protects against nine of the most common strains.

“That’s the best vaccine you have. That’s what they use in the U.S., Canada and other developed countries,” he said, adding that while the vaccine costs about US$360, it is provided free of charge locally.

The vaccine is available to boys and girls aged nine to 15, with eligibility extended to women aged 16 to 45.
Anthony said about 20,000 women have undergone HPV testing so far, with around 19 per cent testing positive. He warned that untreated HPV infections can develop into cervical cancer over time and stressed the need to expand screening, particularly in rural and hinterland communities.