By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Eighteen cancer survivors, celebrated for their resilience and bravery, were formally honored this past Sunday during the inaugural “Stories of Strength: Celebrating Survivors” event. Hosted by the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Massy Foundation, the gathering directly coincided with global observances for World Cancer Survivors Day 2026.
The landmark event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, government officials, corporate partners, and volunteers, all unified in an effort to raise awareness for cancer prevention, promote early detection, and honor the personal journeys of those who have battled the disease.
Dr. Shivani Samlall, a gynecological cancer specialist and Chief Executive Officer of the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc., delivered the feature address. While paying tribute to the honorees, Dr. Samlall candidly addressed the systemic shortfalls that persist within local oncology care.
“Over the years, what we have realized is that there are still gaps—gaps not only in awareness but the holistic care of cancer patients,” Dr. Samlall stated.
Drawing from her medical background, she highlighted a spectrum of critical obstacles confronting Guyanese patients, such as delayed screenings, late-stage diagnoses, information deficits, and severe logistical barriers when accessing treatment and support networks. She emphasized that navigating a cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly overwhelming experience without a dedicated support system to guide patients through the clinical process.
According to Dr. Samlall, the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. was founded on two fundamental convictions: that no individual should succumb to a preventable form of cancer, and that no patient should have to face the disease isolated and alone. She noted that the event was specifically designed to leverage the powerful role survivors play in breaking stigmas and driving grassroots awareness through their personal testimonies.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony also addressed the gathering, highly commending the initiative and advocating for the survivorship celebration to become an annualized, national observance.
“Seeing survivors is proof that cancer can be beaten. Their stories help replace fear with hope and motivate others to seek screening and treatment early,” Dr. Anthony remarked.
The Health Minister utilized the forum to highlight the state’s ongoing legislative and preventative campaigns to diminish the national cancer burden, specifically pointing to the country’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program. Dr. Anthony revealed that Guyana’s current HPV vaccine coverage stands at 69 percent. He asserted that elevating that metric to 90 percent and sustaining it for a five-year period would effectively place Guyana on a definitive path toward completely eliminating cervical cancer.
In a striking visual tribute to conclude the World Cancer Survivors Day observances, the Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc. partnered with the management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge to illuminate the structure in lavender light. The display served as a public symbol of solidarity with survivors and those currently undergoing oncology treatments across the nation.
The event was made possible through corporate partnership, with Massy Stores serving as the primary sponsor.
