Papua New Guinea Cancer Relief Society (PNGCRS) at Angau Memorial Hospital, Lae, Morobe Province, is continuing the work of carrying out awareness during January – the month of Cervical Cancer Awareness.
For both communities and corporate houses, PNGCRS has reached close to 2, 000 individuals from 28 sessions conducted since August 2024 to January 2025.
Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, PNGCRS stated that the main focus of these awareness sessions was to educate women on prevention and early detection of cervical cancer but there were also other benefits.
“At the end of each session, we try to ensure attendees are educated on the following areas: Impact of Cancer: Global and National; Common Misconceptions and Facts about Cancer; Cancer cell growth differs from normal cell growth. Early signs and symptoms of common malignancies (cervical, breast, and oral). Treatment and When to Seek Help; Causes and Risk Factors for Cervical, Breast, and Mouth Cancer; Prevention Measures – The significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet; Referral Pathways – Where to go for help if they come across anything concerning.”
“Our key message is that cancer is curable when presented early to the hospital.”
PNGCRS awareness sessions have reached more than 20 communities and over 1500 individuals.
“We’ve reached 1, 775 individuals so far; during some these sessions, breast examinations are conducted on women.”
“We’ve examined 260 women and detected lumps in 28 of them.”
“We then refer these women straight to the National Cancer Center at Angau for further screening.”
Angau’s Well Women’s Clinic is currently offering free VIA screening for cervical cancer. The clinic is open every day and the service is free.