Mouth, breast, cervical cancers main causes of death

CANCERS of the mouth, breast and cervix are among leading causes of death in the country, a health educator says.
PNG Cancer Foundation’s Dr Sonia Dadae told Niupela Pasin Walk and Yoga for Life participants in Port Moresby yesterday that two women died from cancer every day.
She expressed concern that cancer risks should be reduced to avoid it.
Dr Dadae cited chewing of betel nuts, alcohol, smoking and unhealthy diets as risk factors.
“Unhealthy diet increases one’s chance of developing cancer,” she told participants.
“Too much alcohol makes one become weak and sick.
“Smoking weakens one’s immune system.
“Chewing betel nuts with or without lime, can still cause cancer.”
Dr Dadae urged them to eat properly and stay healthy.
“Reduce the risk factors to be free of cancer.
“Exercise regularly and eat healthy or organic food. Don’t wait until you get infected,” she said.
Her colleague and PNG Cancer Foundation executive manager Priscillar Napoleon commended NCD Governor Powes Parkop for being a great advocate for healthy lifestyle.
Gerehu Hospital’s Dr Lutty Amos called on women in the city and country to go through a Pap smear test.
Dr Amos said it was important for them to detect it early because it had no cure.
Early detection saves lives, she said.
She shared how painful it was for her family having seen her own sibling succumbing to breast cancer.