Doctors,medical students discuss strategies to fight cancer in the country

DOCTORS and medical students from a university discussed strategies for fighting cancer in the country during a cancer awareness programme held recently.
The University of Papua New Guinea Cancer Association (UPNGCA) recently hosted the event attended by students and staff from the science department and medical faculty.
President of the association and medical student Ancilla Rayappan told The National that awareness and sharing of knowledge was important for everyone in order to avoid cancer diseases.
“We decided to integrate the World No Tobbaco Day with this awareness programme,” Ancilla said.
“We saw the importance of knowledge around cancer, not just among medical students and workers, but also to those who might be at risk of developing a cancer.
“One in eight cancers are caused by smoking and also one in eight deaths,” she said.
She said the programme was an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and it was in line with their association’s goals.
“WHO has stepped forward to fund this event and through their presentation at this event, we are aware of the risks involved in tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse that causes cancers,” she said.
WHO non-communicable disease programme officer Dr. Priscilla Nad said that increased awareness was useful as there was still an ongoing lack of medical treatment for cancers in the country.
“I commend the UPNGCA for coming up with awareness programmes as it can be an effective tool for awareness among fellow young people who are smokers,” she said.
“There has yet to be a cultural competent model for the WHO to work alongside the PNG government in fighting cancers,” Priscilla said.