Why learn about cancer?
Research suggests that about 1 in 10
deaths in PNG is because of cancer.
There is a very high chance that
cancer will affect you or your family.
If found early and treated quickly,
cancer might be stopped and that
could save your life or the life of
one of your loved ones.
(Of malignant cancer related hospital admissions
15% are mouth cancer.
‘This leaflet tells you about what to look for,
{and what you can do to lower the chance of
cancer. Reading this might save a life.
Your body is made up of tiny things called cell.
Cancer is when cells change and grow out of,
control.
‘This makes diferent things happen depending
‘on where the cells are in your body.
Inthe case of mouth and throat cancer, most
of the time the changing cells create a sore in
your mouth that does not heal. This sore
Usually starts as ared or white patch in your
mouth,
Cells from this area can break away and travel
to other parts ofthe body, starting new
problems.
If found and treated at an early stage, the
spread of the cancer might be stopped - this
could save your life and keep you here with
your family,
Studies show that most mouth and throat
cancer is caused by:
Low immunity
iuding HIV/AIDS
Human Popilomavius
esualy caught from
‘pen mouth kissing oF
from oral sex
Coa)
Having had mouth or
throat cancer belore
‘Sum exposure (causes
cancer on the lip)
ily History of mouth
‘orthroat cancer
S
Poor mouth deaniness
‘Chewing betel nut
increases the chance
‘of getting cancer.
oe
‘Smoking increases
‘ap the chance
¢ of getting cancer
Eating plenty of fruits
and vegetables and
regular exercise reduces
the risk of getting some
types of eancer.‘What should | look for?
Because most but not all mouth cancer stats
asa red or white patch in the mouth there are
quite a few changes that should be checked
white or ed patchesin the
mouth these can become
Cancer fnot tented
‘rusual bleeding in
los of feeling in your
2 sore (or ulcer hat mouth
= A soc throat or voice
change that stays fr more
than sicweeke
(heoat andor neck loose of teeth for no
hardto swallow move T8500,
yourmouth, or tak aan
pain o discomfort in your
‘mouth or neck weight oss for no reason
How can I tell if have mouth
cancer?
Getto know your mouth) Look all around
it in the mirror, including above and below
your tongue, in good light. IFyou can get a
small mirror and use it to look inside as well,
‘even better. Do this at least once a month.
‘Most changes are not caused by cancer, but
if you notice any ofthe above when you are
doing your check and they don't go away
within theee weeks, see a doctor or nurse.
Protect your family
Don't chew betel nut.
Don't smoke, Reduce alcoho.
Eathealthy, Exercise regularly.
For further resources about cancer prevention:
Vist the Cancer Counal Australia webste:
wav cancer ovgau/preveningcancer/educe-your-
sk
‘ou an also download a printable version ofthis
and other brochures rom: wus com/CFPNG
(Cancer Services in PNG
Nationa Referral Services
Port Moresby General Hospital Cancer Ward
Telephone: 3248162
PNG National Cancer Treatment Centre
Telephone 872 6085 exteton: 122
About us
‘The Papua New Guines Cancer Foundation (CFPNG)
le working with the National Department of Health
tw adress cancer PNG. Some of our partners ae
fos
NG National Cancer Treatment Centre
PNG nsitte of Medial Research
PNG Women’s Doctors Astocation
Port Moresby General Hostal Cancer Ward
Supportes by:
AP xcs: mm 2
CANCER
FOUNDATION
samingeanleieicn eos Papua New Guinea