Harmony’s Hidden Valley mine, in partnership with Angau Memorial Hospital and the PNG Cancer Relief Society, has screened 154 people during a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign across host communities in Papua New Guinea.
The Pinktober programme screened 147 women and seven men, with eight cases referred for further assessment and specialist breast screening at the National Cancer Services Clinic at Angau Memorial Hospital.
More than 500 community members attended awareness sessions held at seven sites and surrounding communities throughout October, according to Harmony.
The programme aimed to promote early detection, improve understanding of breast cancer symptoms and treatment options, and encourage regular health checks among communities in the mine’s operational areas.
Harmony supervisor for the Gender Development Programme Sheenie Kapen said partnerships with medical professionals and cancer support organisations were important in reaching women and families in rural and remote communities.
“Harmony is proud to partner with Angau Medical Team and the PNG Cancer Relief Society to bring this important awareness programme directly to our communities,” Kapen said.
“By increasing awareness and encouraging early detection, we hope to empower women, families, and communities to take proactive steps towards better health.”
Representatives from Angau Memorial Hospital and the PNG Cancer Relief Society provided medical information, addressed misconceptions about breast cancer and explained available support services during the community visits.
The initiative also covered other cancers, including mouth and cervical cancer, which, alongside breast cancer, were identified in the programme materials as among the leading cancers in Papua New Guinea.
To strengthen follow-up care, Harmony and the Angau Cancer Clinic have established a breast cancer referral registry to track and support people referred through the campaign.
The registry is intended to improve continuity of care and help patients access specialist medical services in a timely manner.
The campaign forms part of Harmony’s community health and wellbeing initiatives and its participation in the annual Pinktober breast cancer awareness campaign.
