The National Cancer Services PNG

14/07/2025

NCDPHA LAUNCHES INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

The NCD Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has launched an internal audit committee to provide accountability and transparency.

Chief executive officer Dr Robin Oge said: “We want to ensure that public funds are appropriately used for its purpose and we want to see people held accountable for doing the wrong thing.

Click on the link to read more: https://thepngbulletin.com/news/ncd-pha-launches-internal-audit-committee/

11/07/2025

Cervical Cancer: A Growing Threat to Women and Girls in Papua New Guinea

Cervical cancer remains one of the most common and devastating cancers affecting women and girls in Papua New Guinea. According to statistics from the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry at ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital, cervical cancer ranks among the top cancers diagnosed in females, affecting both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Historically, cervical cancer cases in PNG were most prevalent among women aged 40 to 60. However, over the past decade, the trend has shifted alarmingly — the disease is now increasingly affecting younger women, with diagnoses being reported in females as young as 18 years old.

Clinical interviews and patient histories have revealed several contributing risk factors for the high incidence of cervical cancer in PNG. These include:

- Having multiple sexual partners

- Engagement in risky sexual behaviors

- Excessive alcohol consumption

- Betel nut chewing with lime and mustard

- To***co use

* Prevention Measures
To reduce the risk and impact of cervical cancer in PNG, a combination of public health interventions and personal behavioral changes is essential. The following prevention strategies are recommended:

HPV Vaccination: Introduce and scale up nationwide vaccination programs targeting girls and young women aged 9–14, before they become sexually active.

Regular Screening: Establish and promote access to routine cervical screening (e.g., Pap smear and VIA testing) for early detection and timely treatment.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities on the dangers of high-risk sexual behavior, the importance of using protection, and early signs of cervical cancer.

Lifestyle Modification: Encourage women to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, and to***co use.

Improved Access to Healthcare: Strengthen rural and urban health services to ensure early diagnosis, follow-up care, and treatment.

04/06/2025

Today marks a major milestone in Papua New Guinea’s journey toward stronger, more resilient health systems.

WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, joined Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Ewen McDonald and PNG Health Minister Honourable Elias Kapavore to officially launch the DFAT–WHO–NDoH Partnership—a powerful collaboration between the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade , the World Health Organization (WHO) , and the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health.

Read more here: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/03-06-2025-papua-new-guinea-launches-health-partnership-with-australia-and-who

30/05/2025

Notice to All Provincial Hospitals in Papua New Guinea
From: National Cancer Services – PNG

The National Cancer Services PNG wishes to advise all Provincial Hospitals that the National Cancer Treatment Centre at ANGAU provides treatment only and does not conduct further investigations or diagnostic evaluations for suspected cancer cases.

Referral Requirements:

All referrals must be for confirmed cancer cases, supported by biopsy or histology results.

Please ensure that cancer staging is clearly indicated.

The following documents must be attached with each referral:

Histopathology report

Relevant clinical and diagnostic documents

Important:
Unconfirmed cases or referrals lacking proper documentation will be returned for further investigation and diagnosis.

All referrals must be addressed to:
Dr. O. Lakshman
Radiation Oncologist
National Cancer Treatment Centre
ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital
Ministry of Public Health and Administration (MoPHA)

Thank you for your cooperation.

Enga Provincial Health Authority
ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority
Morobe Provincial Health Authority
Port Moresby General Hospital
Kavieng Provincial Hospital Family Support Unit
New Enga Provincial Hospital
Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority
Simbu Provincial Health Authority



Highlights

30/05/2025

TO ALL PHA in PNG!
Simbu Provincial Health Authority
Enga Provincial Health Authority
Morobe Provincial Health Authority
ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital
Port Moresby General Hospital
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority
Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority



Please Share this information!

12/05/2025

Mr. Chan Kaki
After being with us the National Cancer Treatment Center for the Past 6-7 weeks, and successfully completed Radiotherapy treatment which took total of 6-weeks. We the team here are grateful for your appreciation, and will always welcome you whenever you come around for Post Treatment Reviews.

10/04/2025

10/04/2025

ATTENTION!!
Betel nut chewing is a significant contributing factor to the high rates of oral cancer in Papua New Guinea!

The Link between Betel Nut and Oral Cancer:

Arecoline:
Betel nut contains arecoline, a psychoactive alkaloid. Scientific studies have classified arecoline as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans.
Slaked Lime (Kambang):
Often chewed with betel nut, slaked lime is highly alkaline and causes chemical burns and irritation in the mouth. This chronic irritation can lead to precancerous lesions and eventually cancer.
To***co:
Many people chew betel nut with to***co (buai simuk). To***co is a well-established carcinogen and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer when combined with betel nut and lime.
Mechanical Irritation:
The fibrous nature of the betel nut can cause chronic mechanical irritation to the lining of the mouth, contributing to the development of cancer.
Nitrosamines:
The combination of betel nut, lime, and saliva can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are also known carcinogens.

Impact of Oral Cancer in PNG:

High Incidence:
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in Papua New Guinea, with rates being among the highest in the world.
Late Detection:
Often, oral cancer is detected at late stages, making treatment more difficult and less successful. This is due to a lack of awareness of early signs and symptoms and limited access to early detection services.
Significant Morbidity and Mortality:
Oral cancer can lead to disfigurement, difficulty eating and speaking, and ultimately, death.

Key Messages for You:

Betel nut chewing increases your risk of mouth cancer significantly.
The combination of betel nut, lime (kambang), and to***co is extremely dangerous and dramatically raises the risk.
Even chewing betel nut without to***co or lime carries a cancer risk.
Early detection of mouth cancer improves the chances of successful treatment.
Be aware of the early signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer:

A sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal within a few weeks.
A white or red patch in the mouth.
A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck.
Pain when swallowing.
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw.
Numbness in the mouth or tongue.
Changes in your voice.
Loose teeth.

Our society provides free cancer awareness to schools, business houses, communities and churches in Lae, Morobe. If you would like us to conduct an awareness in your community, please do not hesitate to reach us on our FB Page, or on our email: pngcrs@gmail.com.

09/04/2025

🎉 Happy World Health Day 2025!

Today we kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.

🥀 Each year, nearly 300,000 women die during pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million newborns die within their first month of life and another 2 million are stillborn.

The reality today:

⚠️ The vast majority of these deaths are preventable with timely and quality care.

⚠️ In many parts of the world, women still give birth without skilled health professionals or access to emergency care.

⚠️ 1 in 3 women report lasting health problems after childbirth - and struggle to access treatment.

How you can support:

🫶 Be present for pregnant women and new parents around you.
⚕️ Support WHO's efforts to improve global maternal and newborn care.
📣 Advocate for accessible, quality care, wherever you are.

Watch the latest Science in 5 video and learn more about mothers and babies health ➡️ https://bit.ly/4lgsS57

31/03/2025

31/03/2025

THE SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR at the Opening of the STATE OF THE Art New Enga Provincial Hospital in Enga, Hon. Peter O'Neill, MP and Member for Ialibu Pangia. ENGA New Level 6th Hospital is one of his 'HAN MAK' under the 'Wok Mas Go Yet' Policy.

31/03/2025

WHO, in close collaboration with the National Department of Health and the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority, just wrapped up a joint mission to intensify Primary Health Care (PHC) in Papua New Guinea. Through powerful community dialogues, facility assessments, and multi-stakeholder engagement, we are setting the stage for a transformative PHC approach — one that listens, learns, and leads with the people at the centre.

Bringing Health to All – One Community at a Time!