Port Moresby Joing Global Call for Action on Breast Cancer-Other Forms of Cancer

In pink, Port Moresby joined the global call for increased action and awareness on breast cancer and other forms of cancer through the annual Pinktober Walk this morning.

The walk started from the Murray Barracks to Sir Hubert Murray stadium, a 4-kilometer walk.

It was led by NCD Governor Powes Parkop with notable visibility and contributions to the call by State Institutions, cancer patients, community groups, Port Moresby General Hospital, National Department of Health, NCD PHA, Corporates, individuals and others.

Speaking after the walk, Governor Parkop reminded participants that cancer remains one of the country’s leading causes of death, with more than 7,000 deaths and over 12,000 new cases reported every year.

He said breast cancer and cervical cancer continue to rise, especially among women, while prostate and oral cancers are also increasing among men.

Governor Parkop, who delivered his remarks in Tok Pisin, said the Pinktober campaign began as a movement for breast cancer awareness but has now expanded to include all forms of cancer.

He emphasized two key messages: prevention and early detection.

“Prevention em bikpela samting. Long nau, nogat trupla marasin o cure bilong cancer. So yumi mas was gut long health na mekim regular checkup,” he told them. Translation (“Prevention is most important. There is still no proven cure for cancer, so we must take care of our health and go for regular check-ups.”)

Governor Parkop encouraged healthy living, physical activity, reduced alcohol and tobacco use, and regular medical screenings.

He also thanked health workers and volunteers who offered free breast and cervical cancer checks last week, leading up to the event. In that over 500 women and girls participated in screenings at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

On Polio vaccine rollout, Mr Parkop also reminded parents to support the national polio immunization campaign for children aged 0–10 years, after traces of the virus were recently detected in the capital city.

He further commended the Department of Health’s new Preventive Health Care Instrument, saying it aims to strengthen community health and reduce dependence on curative care.

“By coming out in pink today, we are showing unity and raising awareness so everyone can see that cancer is real but together, we can prevent it,” Governor Parkop concluded.