Date: 8TH JULY, 2024
Introduction
The cancer awareness program was a resounding success, educating and empowering our school community to take action against cancer.
This awareness kicked off with a brief introduction of the foundation, the team members, volunteers and the Doctor in charge by the M & E officer (Mr Ifot), followed by brief welcome address by the Executive Director Pst. Mrs Imaobong Andrew-Essien who told the story behind the birth of this foundation.
A total of 12 volunteers were present for this awareness program.
Objective:
To educate students and staff about cancer, its prevention, and early detection.
Target audience: Students and staff
Awareness Highlights:
- Notable presentation by Doctor Ukeme Eshiet who spoke on the three (3) main types of cancer that are rampant in our society today which are:
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Prostate cancer, among others.
She mentioned signs and symptoms of Breast cancer which shouldn’t be taken for granted when noticed on time.
Signs and symptoms of Breast cancer
- Painless or painful breast lump
- Changes in the breast
- Nipples turning inward
- Breast discharge etc
During the presentation, she showed the students practically how to do self breast examination with the help of the team members.
On Cervical cancer, she said it is contacted through Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). She educated the female students on the need to get vaccinated against this virus.
Risk factor
- Smoking tobacco
- Early sexual activity
- Other sexually transmitted infections
- A weakened immune system
Prevention
- Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine.
- Have routine Pap tests
- Don’t smoke.
To the boys, she gave brief highlights on Prostate cancer which she said happens in the prostate. She mentioned signs and symptoms of prostate cancer which includes:
- A weak stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Facing difficulty in starting urination
- Dribbling of urine when urinating
- Frequent urination and sometimes sudden desire to urinate especially in the night.
Question and Answer session
The principal, students, and staff asked different questions about breast, cervical, and prostrate cancer.
The students were made to understand that cancer is not a communicable disease.
Outcome
- Increased awareness and understanding of cancer among students and staff
- Improved knowledge of cancer prevention and early detection methods
- Sharing of IEC materials by team members.
- 1000 60leaves exercise books were distributed
- About 2500 students were present for the outreach.
Recommendations
- More awareness program should be carried out in schools.
- Collaboration opportunities with cancer organizations
Conclusion
By promoting cancer awareness and education in schools, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
®️Only Believe Care Foundation