Society spends K7,000 to prepare meals for patients

LAE-based Papua New Guinea Cancer Relief Society has spent almost K7,000 every month to prepare meals for patients and their guardians at the Angau cancer ward.
Dr Alfred Mel, a clinical oncologist, with the PNG National Cancer Centre who took part in a fundraising event recently, said some of the funds went towards purchasing chemotherapy that was lacking, awareness and health talks and facilities.
The society raised K200,000 from a recent walk-a-thon.
Some business houses were very generous.
Dr Mel said more than 50 people attempted the 42km walk-a-thon from Erap market to the Lae Golf Club.
The society also provides supplementary nutrition, especially for throat and mouth cancer patients.
It employs a full-time cook.
According to Dr Mel, there are many new cancer cases each year, many of whom die before reaching a hospital.
These cancers include cervical, breast, mouth and liver.