The Healthy Teen’s Program carried out this year has seen over 1,850 students throughout Papua New Guinea participate.
The program was facilitated by the PNG Cancer Foundation and was carried out for the first time this year from April to September.
PNGCF targeted a particular demographic to have a positive influence on the lifestyle choices they make for the future.
The health awareness program kicked off in Milne Bay Province and ended on a high note in the nation’s capital.
Selected schools visited were Cameron Secondary and Sacred Heart Secondary in MBP, Kimbe and Hoskins Secondary in West New Britain, Badihagwa Secondary and Kopkop College in Port Moresby.
The team also conducted this program during the Moresby Arts Theatre School Pride Program in July.
PNGCF Schools Program officer Rebekah Houji revealed that the program was very effective.
Houji outlined that over 400 students learned new information about healthy life choices to reduce the risk of cancer.
These students never know that smoking tobacco, chewing betelnut and consumption of alcohol are all scientifically proven to increase their chances of getting some type of cancer.
They also learnt that they can also reduce their cancer risk by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
The team distributed 2,000 brochures and almost 1,000 schools packs including exercise books and pencil cases promoting cancer awareness messaging.
Houji confirmed that the program will be conducted again in 2017.
Picture courtesy of PNG Cancer Foundation