PNGUoT OBSERVES PINKTOBER
Staff and students at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology joined in the global Pinktober campaign with the Angau Cancer Clinic staff, aimed at raising awareness on breast cancer last month.
The Senior Executive Management Team was represented by the Executive Director- Human Resources Mrs Annette Waide, who said breast cancer is a battle that has affected so many people in communities, and raising awareness on this, is a cause that resonates in the hearts of many.
“This disease does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. That is why our collective efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and foster a sense of unity are so crucial.”
The awareness session was delivered by Radiation Therapists from the Angau Cancer Clinic, Ms Julie Cecil and Ms Emma Makande. They highlighted the factors that contribute to breast cancer, symptoms, procedures of self-examination, and other forms of cancer as well.
Officer in Charge, Ms Cecil emphasized on the importance of regular checkups, and early detection, and the importance of supporting friends and family members who have diagnosed with cancer.
According to the statistics presented by the Angau Cancer Clinic, breast cancer is the second highest common cancer in PNG affecting both male and female. From 2019 -2023, a total of 1515 confirmed new cases were registered at the Cancer treatment center.
277 were confirmed Breast cancer cases, 2% of which were male.
Ms Cecil stated that while breast cancer in women is more common, men are also prone to it and should take note of breast cancer awareness and information as well.
PNGUoT has contributed to the fight against cancer, by collaborating with the National Department of Health (NdoH) to train radiotherapists under the School of Applied Physics (formerly known as Department of Applied Physics) Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (BSRT) since the 1990’s.
This course which was offered in the 1980’s, 1990’s and most recently from 2011 to 2015, was designed with the purpose of training radiotherapists, focusing on cancer treatment.
Both Ms Cecil and Ms Makande who are now radiation therapists at the Angau Cancer Clinic, are graduates of this course.
Mrs Waide thanked the both officers saying their compassion towards their profession exemplifies the spirit of “No one should fight breast cancer alone,”
“As we move forward, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can make a profound difference in the fight against breast cancer. Let us commit to ensuring that no one in our community faces this challenge alone.”
The awareness was organized by the Unitech Administrative Professionals Corporate Chapter.
