04 February 2016 – The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) celebrated the “We can, I can prevent cancer” theme of this year’s World Cancer Day across all four states. Increasing detected rates of cancer has heightened community awareness. Between 2009-2013, the most diagnosed forms of cancer in the FSM were oral, breast, cervical, and lung. The FSM Government is taking action to support prevention of cancer by creating healthy environments and improving access to screening and treatment.
The states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) held a range of public activities to raise awareness about what the public can do to prevent cancer. Activities included sports competitions, information sessions to make healthy snacks, and presentations. In addition to raising awareness, the FSM’s Department of Health is making an effort to increase accessibility of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases screening services. Pohnpei State’s Comprehensive Cancer Control and Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) Coalition and Programs held cancer and NCD risk factor screenings and education activities as part of World Cancer Day.
The opening event was attended by His Majesty Wasa Lapalap Isipahu Nanmwrki of Madolenihmw, the Governor of Pohnpei Honourable Marcelo Peterson, Chief Magistrate Honourable Petrick Ringlen, State Chief of Public Health Dr. Eliaser Johnson, members of the State NCD Emergency Response Team, WHO, and community members. In his opening remarks, Governor Peterson pledged that his administration would revisit the state’s NCD policy and action plan and intensify government support for the prevention of NCDs including cancer. Furthermore, in recognition of the need to address the leading preventable causes of NCDs, he vowed “to push for the pending legislative resolutions on tobacco and alcohol control.”
Speaking to this year’s World Cancer Day theme, WHO Country Liaison Officer for the FSM, Dr Sevil Huseynova reminded attendees that “together, we -communities, governments, and civil societies, can take action to help prevent and fight cancer. I urge you to take advantage of the free screening provided by the government today. I also urge you to talk to your families, friends, and community leaders about actions they can take to prevent cancer such as quitting tobacco and betel nut use and advocate for tobacco and betel-nut-free public places.”
The State Comprehensive Cancer Control, NCD, Tobacco Control and other programs joined forces to remind the public to make healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting tobacco and betel nut use, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption. The programs’ continued efforts to call for public and political support to create healthy environments inspired positive change this World Cancer Day. In his closing remarks, His Majesty Wasa Lapalap Isipahu, pledged to quit chewing betel nut and declared all ‘nahs’, or community halls, in the Madolenihmw municipality betel nut chewing-free areas. With strong leadership and public support, this World Cancer Day, the FSM is turning a theme into a reality.