As part of its Safety Talk of the Month (STOM) initiative, the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) recently hosted an educational session in collaboration with Paradise Private Hospital to spotlight the critical issue of breast cancer and its impact on women’s health in Papua New Guinea.
This timely session, organised by PNG CORE’s Strategic Planning & Projects Unit, coincided with the global campaign Pinktober – dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.
The event aimed to empower staff with vital knowledge about breast cancer risks, early detection methods, and available treatment options. Attendees gained practical insights into self-examination techniques and the importance of mammogram screenings, underscoring the fact that not all lumps are detectable through physical examination alone.
Staff had the privilege of hearing from two esteemed healthcare professionals: Dr. Grace Raire, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist, and Sr. Fabiana Menem, Labour Ward Unit Manager and Radiologist, Rayhab Kiha, all from Paradise Private Hospital. Their presentations covered essential topics such as self-breast examinations, clinical screenings, and the life-saving role of mammograms in early detection.
Dr. Raire emphasised the urgency of addressing breast cancer, noting, “Breast cancer remains a critical health challenge, being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In 2023 alone, there were approximately 2.3 million new diagnoses worldwide, resulting in over 670,000 fatalities.”
She also highlighted the concerning statistics in Papua New Guinea, where breast cancer accounts for an estimated 4,000 new cases and over 1,600 deaths annually. “This initiative seeks to shed light on these unsettling statistics and emphasise the importance of early detection and timely interventions,” she added.
PNG CORE staff were delighted to hear from the specialists and urges everyone within the community to prioritise health screenings and to educate their loved ones about the importance of early detection. “We believe that through awareness, education, and community involvement, we can make a significant impact on the breast cancer landscape in PNG.”
In addition to supporting and promoting the minerals and energy sectors, PNG CORE is dedicated to fostering progress and sustainability through initiatives that create a proactive environment within our communities, focusing on health, education, and sports.