DPM Pilots Cancer Awareness Drive

DPM Executive Contract Administration and Assessment Executive Manager Marita Kouga using a dummy breast to practice how you conduct self-examinations to find lumps in the breast at home.
 

CANCER remains a public health issue of major concern in Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Personnel Management in collaboration with the Port Moresby General Hospital held a one-day Cancer information awareness session, and Clinical Breast Examination and Oral Cavity Screening for staff at Government Central Building here in Waigani, National Capital District dated 28th February 2025.

Clinical Oncologist at Port Moresby General Hospital Dr Priya Baskara said the need for Cancer awareness in the public service sector was vital, as many Papua New Guinean’s were battling cancer.

The cancer awareness program is the first of its kind in the public service sector with the Department of Personnel Management piloting this new initiative.

Topics covered in the information session included:

· Cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis, early treatment

· Risks of Cancer

· Different types of Cancer in Men and women

· Diets and Examination

· Improved survival outcomes

· Positive Impact on social-economic indices

Dr Priya said that statistics show that PNG is leading the world in cancer related deaths due to life style choices, lack of awareness and poor or lack of proper cancer facilities. She said statistics showed that:

· Among every 1500 cancer patients newly diagnosed globally every year, one is from PNG. 

· Among every 1250 cancer deaths globally , one is from PNG

· 141 cancer patients in every 100,000 PNG population

· 89 cancer patients die in every 100,000 PNG population

She said nearly 60 per cent of women in Papua New Guinea are currently battling cancer and in order to combat this was through awareness and early detection.

Department of Personnel Management’s Strategic Human Resource Executive Manager Mary Gonadara said the department’s primary objective to ensure that staff are healthy and in good medical condition to better serve their country.

“This awareness is really for everyone to be aware of their status and have that knowledge of how to seek help when faced with symptoms of cancer or other diseases.

“The earlier one seeks medical attention through early screening and diagnosis, the earlier treatment can be administered,” she said.

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