​School girls in NCD learn about cervical cancer

Grade Nine female students at Kila Kila Secondary School (KSS) in Port Moresby had the opportunity to learn more about cervical cancer.

Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) continued the 2016 cervical cancer education schools program at KSS this week.

The program focuses on what cervical cancer is, how they can protect themselves from the disease, how to recognise early signs and symptoms and concludes with a question and answer session.

Current statistics show that cancer is one of the main causes of deaths in PNG and cervical cancer is among the most common types.

PNG Institute of Medical Research estimates that 1 in 10 deaths in the country are cancer related and that two women die every day from cervical cancer in PNG.

PNGCF educator sister Helen Hukula conducted four workshops back to back to six classes, educating over 160 female students at the school.

Hukula educated the students on the prevention methods and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Symptoms include bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause, pain in the lower belly or pelvis, pain during sex and vaginal discharge that isn't normal.

"Protect your family and future. Don’t chew betelnut, don’t smoke, reduce alcohol, eat healthy and exercise regularly," Hukula stressed.

The students were encouraged to have testing (screening) to find pre-cancers before they can turn into invasive cancer.

The pap test or pap smear and the human papilloma virus (HPV) test are used for this. If a pre-cancer is found it can be treated, stopping cervical cancer before it really starts.

PNGCF chief executive officer Dadi Toka Jr said previously that by educating a younger demographic, they hope to protect the future generation of PNG by informing them how to reduce their risk of cancer.

PNGCF thanked the program partner, United States Embassy and the program supporters, DFAT Australian Aid, DHL and Moore Printing.

Other schools that have received the education so far this year are Gordon’s secondary, Gerehu secondary and Tokarara Secondary School.

(Picture by PNG Cancer Foundation)

Author: 
Quintina Naime