Cancer issue in PNG

Letters

THE need for radiation therapy, immuno therapy are definitely over due in PNG.
However, to infer that PNG’s worst nightmare is the lack of cancer facilities is simply overstating the issue.
Cancer is largely incurable and the best success rate in the treatment of cancer is early detection.
Hence, the initiatives of governments to fund early detection and preventative programmes should be more the focus.
The best way to treat cancer is:

  • Surgery – this available in PNG, especially at PMGH (Port Moresby General Hospital). The main reason the government is establishing comprehensive cancer services at PMGH by the end of the year is because the best Cancer surgeons are located at PMGH;
  • chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Again, available at PMGH. The demand for this service significant and the need to employ more modern drugs. The comprehensive facility, available by the end of the year will equal to the best practice in the world; and,
  • Radiation therapy – this service is not currently available. However, under construction and it will be available by the end of the year. The quality of the facilities is equivalent to the best technology in the world.

The two major forms of cancer in PNG are head and neck cancer and cervical cancer.
The reasons for the high incidences of these forms of cancer should really be our focus.
We have the responsibility to educate our community and to make them aware of the consequences of cultural habits, lifestyle issues that causes cancer as well as focus on the cost of the services.
Government and PMGH are responding to the health needs of the community, in training professionals and funding facilities that are much needed.
Let’s keep the debate going on this devastating, silent killer in our community.
The need for early detection and preventative measure will help to achieve successful outcomes and value for the investment in excellent facilities.

Carl Adams
Health Consultant to PMGH