Kina Bank has stepped up efforts to promote cancer awareness and early detection among its employees through an awareness session focused on breast and cervical cancer.

The session, held this week, brought together medical professionals from Port Moresby General Hospital and the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation to educate staff on recognising warning signs, understanding risk factors and the importance of regular screening and timely medical care.

Dr Molly Lamese, Senior Medical Officer, and Dr Ruth Badia, Registrar with the hospital’s Pathology Department, led the discussion, encouraging staff to be proactive about their health and seek medical advice when they notice unusual changes in their bodies.

Dr Lamese stressed that understanding what is normal for one’s body is an important step towards identifying potential warning signs early.

“Knowing what is normal for you is important. If you notice a new lump, change in the breast or nipple, unusual discharge or any other change that concerns you, do not ignore it. Early detection gives us a better opportunity for timely treatment and care,” Dr Lamese said.

Dr Badia highlighted the importance of cervical cancer screening, urging women to take advantage of available screening services and seek professional medical advice when needed.

“Cervical cancer screening is an important part of looking after your health. Women should make use of available screening services and seek medical advice if they have concerns. Prevention, screening and early treatment can make a real difference,” she said.

Kina Bank Executive General Manager People and Culture, Ann Steele, thanked the visiting medical professionals and the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation for helping employees better understand cancer prevention and early detection.

Ms. Steele said the awareness session reinforced the need to turn knowledge into action through regular screening, prevention and early medical intervention.

“As a people-focused organisation, we want our staff to have the knowledge and confidence to take care of their health and encourage their families and loved ones to do the same. We hope the conversation continues beyond October,” she said.

Kina Bank said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote employee health and wellbeing while encouraging greater awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection.