The Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF), in partnership with JM Ocean Avenue, conducted the first of two full days of cancer education & awareness workshops.
The event was at the Royal Papua Yacht Club on Monday, 7th August, in recognition of Daffodil Campaign Month.
PNGCF CEO Mr Dadi Toka Jr opened the first workshop and thanked the participants for taking the initiative to learn about cancer prevention.
“During the Daffodil Campaign, the Foundation focuses on empowering Papua New Guineans to reduce their risk of developing cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices,” Toka said in his opening speech.
“I encourage you to take what you will learn during the workshop back and educate your friends and family about cancer and cancer prevention today.”
More than 200 participants attended the workshops, including over 50 students from the Institute of Business Studies.
PNGCF Health Educator, Dr Sonia Dadae, conducted the workshops, focusing on cervical & breast cancer, signs & symptoms and the importance of prevention and detection as a way to reduce the risk of developing these cancers in the future. Each workshop ended with a question & answer session.
“Smoking tobacco, chewing betelnut and excessive consumption of alcohol are all scientifically proven to increase your chances of getting some types of cancer, including mouth, breast and cervical cancers,” said Dr Dadae.
“Other factors such as previously having had cancer, increasing age, family history of cancer and obesity through poor diet or lack of exercise increase your risk of developing cancer.
“Reduce your cancer risk by making healthy lifestyle choice today such as: Don’t chew betelnut, don’t smoke, reduce your alcohol intake, eat healthy and exercise regularly.”
The second and final full day of cancer education & awareness workshops for the Daffodil Campaign Month will be on Monday, 14th August, at the Royal Papua Yacht Club.
Registration is free for interested individuals, company or groups in Port Moresby. Contact the PNGCF office on 180 2009 or email programs@cancerfoundation.org.pg for more information on how to register.
PNGCF sincerely thanked sponsors JM Ocean Avenue and Royal Papua Yacht Club, and supporters Moore Printing and DHL, for making the Cancer Education & Awareness Workshop program possible.