Cancer survivors urge year-round support for those battling the disease

…as Pinktober 2025 officially launched

With October designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, One Communications, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday launched “Pinktober” under the theme, “Act Now, Live Strong.”

The initiative, unveiled at the Pegasus Corporate Suites in Georgetown, seeks to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment, while promoting solidarity with survivors and their families.

Speaking at the launch, cancer survivor Rose Clarke appealed for continuous support for survivors, not just during October.

“What I want to encourage each and every one of us—those fighting cancer and those who survive cancer, give them all your love and support. We are battling this sickness 365 days but only in October you get called left, right and centre. Not only in October we need that support,” she urged.

Similar sentiments were shared by fellow survivor Roneta Williams.

“What brought me to this point of my journey is knowing that I have that support—especially what I get from my daughter, and knowing that there are people out there, because I do get support from these groups also. Knowing that they’re actually doing it with you. You’re not doing it alone,” she said.

Chronic Disease Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Dianele Drepaul, encouraged citizens to make use of free cancer screening services available at regional hospitals.

“We notice that every October, everyone jumps on the bandwagon, everybody wants to get screened, and after October it just dies down. I want to emphasise that every day we need to take initiative and look after our health,” she stressed.

President of the Guyana Cancer Society, Sharir Chan, also underscored the need for regular screening, warning that late diagnosis leads to high mortality rates.

Meanwhile, Marketing Director of One Communications, Ian Lewis, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme and the role of early detection in saving lives.

As part of the launch, survivors received gift baskets from Sterling Products Limited.