Background:
A non- profit cancer organization lead by dedicated Medical Professionals and include voluntary members, mainly family members of cancer patients and cancer survivors. Founded in February 2013, by a Medical Oncologist, in dedication to her beloved brother who died of Pancreatic cancer.
Aim:
The aim is to improve awareness on prevention and early detection of cancer.
Strategy:
Included dissemination of health knowledge on cancer prevention and screening, giving financial assistance for the needy cancer patients, and active partnership with Local and International Health Organizations. We began with the process of gathering the right people to work together for the benefit of the project and formed 8 working teams for :-1) Health Education, 2) Cancer Screening, 3)Treatment Support, 4)Research & Training ,5) Publicity & Information, 6) Local & Foreign Relation, 7)Cancer Survivors and 8) Fund Raising.
Programme:
Implemented after obtaining registration in December 2013.1)Program for Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer awareness at different community levels 2)Prepared in Myanmar language and distributed free Posters and Pamphlets, on Cancer Warning Signs, Cancer Prevention Ways, Tobacco, Alcohol, Betel, and cancer Risks 3)Cancer Education symposium using Professionals, Non-professional Celebrities and Cancer Survivors as speakers 4)A Cartoon Competition and a Health Fun Fair plus a free one-stop health screening program for the public.
Outcomes:
The attendance and participation in all events were enormous. Members and donations have increased substantially and financial assistance of US $ 7950 for the needy cancer patients has been possible within 4 months. Dedicated team is the mainstay. Joining forces with Local Health Organizations accelerated the progress. Participation of Celebrities in the discussions and activities, Cancer Survivors sharing their experiences, when public education programs were combined with on-site free health screening programs, promoted more interest and participation of the public.