Foundation focuses on education, awareness

 CHIEF executive officer of the PNG Cancer Foundation Dadi Toka Junior says the main focus of the organisation is on education and awareness.

He was in Lae last week for the two-day free mouth and breast cancer screening and cervical cancer awareness. 

The aim of the foundation is to reduce the impact of cancer in the country.

He said the research confirmed that the chewing of betel nut, smoking and consumption of alcohol were linked to cancers – cervical, breast or mouth cancers.

“The best way to stop cancer is do not chew betel nut, do not smoke and do not drink alcohol,” he said.

“In the two-day programme in Lae, we have partnered with the PNG Cancer Relief Society which has a wonderful team doing rural areas. 

“We can partner and collaborate with them where they need our assistance.”

He said rural areas were where they planned to visit this year.

“We will start off with Morobe, and then to West New Britain, New Ireland, Milne Bay, Central and National Capital District – the areas where the referral part will be based on,” Toka said .

“Every opportunity we get in, the awareness we can change someone’s behaviour to reduce the cancer from treatment.”