Guyana Cancer Foundation: A place of hope for many cancer warriors

TIMES INT'L

The Guyana Cancer Foundation is close to the heart of Bibi Hassan for the very reason that it was the struggles her mother while battling breast cancer, that inspired her to form such an organisation. Today, the Foundation helps cancer victims, survivors and their families go through the motions of dealing with the
‘deadly C’.
Founded in January of 2015, the Foundation was established to provide help and inspire hope in those affected by cancer through early detection, education, awareness and free medical screening. The GCF puts primary focus on the medically underserved (low-income and under-insured) population and to make a difference in their lives.
In 2005, the now-defunct Avon Beauty set up the Avon Community Health Fund which Hassan was selected to be a part of. They were tasked with starting breast cancer awareness in Guyana. From there on Bibi’s journey started with the fund to create awareness and education.
On the 29th January 2015, Avon was dissolved in the Caribbean and the Fund couldn’t use the name “Avon Community Help Fund”. Later in April 2015, Hassan was asked to take over the fund because she had a vision for it.
Bibi took up the challenge and with the help of others, she changed the name from Avon Community Help Fund to Guyana Cancer Foundation.
She is truly passionate about this cause because of her encounter when her mom became a breast cancer survivor in the year 2008. She was there at every step with her mother, being her caregiver, going through chemo and hair loss sessions.
Since then her mother inspired her to assist women to fight this disease because early detection can help save lives.
For Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Bibi and her team at the GCF have been urging women to get screened. Additionally, they have been sharing advice from doctors and their volunteers.

“Far too many women die from breast cancer when they don’t have to. Far too many women are afraid of what detection of a breast lump could mean. Far too many women wait far too long to seek care after they would have detected a breast lump. Let’s join hands and fight against breast cancer. If you notice a lump get it checked out as soon as possible, visit the nearest health post, health centre or hospital, talk to someone who could help. The earlier you get checked out the greater your chances are of beating cancer. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get screened today.” – Dr Desiree Ross.
“Skin cancer can affect people of any skin tone, including those with darker complexions. It develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin such as the scalp, face, neck, chest and arms.
Factors which may increase your risk of skin cancer include fair skin, excessive sun exposure, living in an area with a sunny climate, a history of previous sunburns and numerous moles or precancerous skin lesions. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly brown patches. They are most common on the face, head and hands of people whose skin has been sun-damaged.
Most skin cancers are preventable. You can protect yourself by avoiding the sun during the middle of the day and using protective clothing along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is more effective when applied generously and reapplied every two hours.
Examine your skin often for new lesions or changes in existing moles, freckles or bumps and consult a doctor if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you.” – Dr Latoya Dyall.
“Having cancer doesn’t mean it’s the end, it means making and adopting new changes to your life. There are things you can do to increase the quality of your life, surround yourself with good people, visit new places, go on adventures and there are treatment options available. Cancer does not define you, just like you, I pray that someday we have a cure. No lie it’s going to be mentally, emotionally and physically draining but as I always say, a positive mind is key to living a great life. You are stronger than you know, braver than you think, more loved than you can imagine.” – Leroy Hendricks – Medical Student, Cuba.
“Cancer is real but so is Hope. Cancer does not have to be painful. With regular screening, early diagnosis and early treatment we can keep the hope alive. Talk to your doctor about cancer screening, read up on the risk factors and pass the information on. With us together, the hope is real.” – Mahendra Damru – Medical Student, China.
“Take some time to process it, understand your illness. Yes, the prognosis is not favourable in most cancers. But, maybe, just maybe you’re that per cent that can beat it. Our medical world is so advanced these days with treatment and as whole oncologists and their teams work diligently to assure that you get the best care; even better care than their own families.
Secondly, acceptance, just accept it. It’s just the cards that you were dealt to play in this game of life but that doesn’t mean that you have to lose. Appreciate every passing second of your life and be thankful for you still have breath in your lungs. Just breathe, take it all in. Stop and smell the roses, go on that trip you always wanted or even ask your crush out on a date. Because it’s NOT the time that counts or how long a life we have lived but the quality of life that we would’ve lived and the hearts that we would’ve touched in our numbered days here.
Find the good side in every situation and spread love in every venture that you take. You may be amazed by what a simple smile or a hug can do. Plus, you never know who is watching. Be a role model and leave your footprints in this world. For we are only humans, we are allowed to feel sad, happy, lonely or even frustrated but don’t let it overcome you. Just remember that you were given this life for a reason. Just find your purpose and live it to the best of your ability because at the end of the day we all have to go home, this life is just temporary, passing. But when that day arises we would smile because we would’ve given it our best shot and left a good legacy for others to follow regardless if we suffer from this illness or not. And also remember that prayers do get answered and miracles happen every day.”- Dr Prem Sookhun

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