Guyana has recorded 137 new cases of prostate cancer so far in 2026, with the disease now surpassing breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country this year, according to Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony.
Dr. Anthony disclosed the figures during the launch of One Communications’ Pinktober 2026 campaign, held under the theme “Many Journeys, One Hope.”
The campaign brings together the Ministry of Health, cancer-support organisations, survivors and other partners to promote early detection, treatment and greater public awareness.
The Health Minister said the number of prostate cancer diagnoses between January and September is relatively high, but suggested that the increase is partly linked to more proactive screening rather than simply a rise in advanced disease.
“From January of this year to now we basically diagnosed about 137 new cases of prostate cancer,” Dr. Anthony said, adding that expanded screening has allowed health officials to identify cases earlier.
According to Anthony, prostate cancer is now the leading cancer diagnosed in Guyana in 2026, followed by breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
Together, those four cancers account for about 46 per cent of the 704 cancer cases diagnosed nationally so far this year.
The minister attributed some of the increase in prostate cancer detection to the Government’s screening programme, which provides access to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing through vouchers and partnerships with private laboratories.
He said the approach represents a shift from previous years, when many men sought medical attention only after the disease had progressed significantly.
“Before we used to see a lot of people coming in when it’s too late, but we are changing that now because we are diagnosing people earlier,” Dr. Anthony said.
Early diagnosis is particularly important in prostate cancer because treatment options and outcomes can vary significantly depending on the stage at which the disease is detected.
Anthony urged Guyanese to make use of available screening services and called on non-governmental organisations and community groups to help encourage more people to get tested.
The push for greater screening extends beyond prostate cancer.
Dr. Anthony said Guyana has also expanded access to mammography, with machines now available at several locations outside Georgetown, including Suddie, Linden, New Amsterdam and Lethem.
Between January and September, 1,667 mammograms were conducted using the expanded screening network.
The minister has nevertheless expressed concern that uptake of some screening services remains below what health authorities would like, despite wider access to diagnostic equipment.
One Communications Chief Executive Officer Abraham Smith said the company’s Pinktober campaign this year is aimed at moving beyond awareness messages and encouraging people to take practical steps such as getting screened and seeking treatment where necessary.
