Early detection and prevention of cancer vital, says official

Promoting cancer prevention and early detection should be our new culture, says Aileen Zuhukepe, an advocate for female cancer and a tutor at the Medical Science Faculty, University of Papua New Guinea.
Zuhukepe said that last year’s theme for the Medical Symposium was ‘holistic approach to cancer’, which called on individuals, health care workers and professionals to use their speciality to address cancer.
“Prevention and screening are the most important things,” Zuhukepe said.
“Prevention is paramount in cancer cases and this should be done through avoiding unhealthy practices and consumption of certain food and drinks.
“We should emphasise on the consumption of plant-based organic food and clear fluids,” Zuhukepe said.
“Routine check-ups are also paramount in order for early detection and correct treatments in the early stages.
“Only through screening, early detection can be made and thus early treatment can be sought to promote longevity and give the unfortunate another chance of survival.
“Also, all women living in urban areas from ages 35 to 50 should have routine mammography screening for early detection.”
He helped with early detection of cancer for women in Morobe through her free screening programme conducted last month at Braun District Hospital.
With the help of Dr Emily Naeman and the staff of Braun
hospital, they were able to carry out less than 50 screenings for breast cancer.