(Press Release) In June, the Samoa Cancer Society conducted three separate awareness programs with two primary schools on Manono Island and another at Apolima Uta.

Programme topics were on Lung and Childhood cancers and covered education messages on ‘what is cancer’; risk factors that cause cancer; early detection of cancer; and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.  

Tied in with the ‘Vave’ key messages of ‘vave iloa, vave vaai se fomai and vave vili mai’, the programmes aimed to teach these communities and children, the importance of looking out for the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer and to reach out early for medical advice from a doctor.  

Childhood cancers are treatable and curable – when detected and treated early.  

School children were attentive and eager to learn about childhood cancers and healthy living with teachers and parents alike, pleased  to have been given the opportunity to come together and learn the importance of early detection – Vave iloa – and who and where to go to for further advice and information.

The Society continues to work together with government, partners, organizations and volunteers to broaden the reach of these messages throughout Samoa.  For these particular outreaches, two E.M.D. 

(Events, Marketing & Distribution Co Ltd) staff volunteered their time to accompany the SCS outreach officer and assisted with the set up, registration, questionnaires and media work.  

This not only  benefits the N.G.O. with volunteer assistance, but it also promotes the spirit of community volunteerism and corporate social responsibility.