More awareness needed to tackle stigma of cancer

MUSCAT: The Oman Cancer Association (OCA) hosted the second stage of its Youth Programme, where students presented ideas and recommendations following a summer awareness workshop.
'This is the second stage of our youth event, our youth programme that we had two weeks ago, where we trained school students on the importance of early detection and on our attempts to remove the social stigma of cancer. So we did a two-day programme with them,' said Nader al Azri, OCA.
As schools were closed for summer, individuals from different schools attended, and one of the institutions that participated as a group was Indian School Al Ghubra.
According to the students, the workshop was impactful.
'This is something we would like to do for more schools so we can have a full generation that believes in cancer awareness and completely removes the social stigma about cancer,' explained Nader.
Addressing the youth ambassadors of OCA, Dr Waheed al Kharousi, OCA Chairman, said, 'This youth programme is a medium-term awareness programme so that by the time you reach twenty, you are all going to be versed in what cancer is and what should be done and know that cancer is a disease like any other disease.'
Speaking to the Observer, a young student, Muadh al Mandheri, said, 'I learned about cancer and the importance of helping others. I learned that we should always eat healthy and make sure we have enough vegetables and fruits in our diet. And of course, no smoking.'

Indian School Al Ghubra student Daniello said that they had a youth group formed in school to attend the workshop. When asked what the most important message she has taken from the workshop was, she said, 'Go for a regular checkup.'
Hamza al Mandheri pointed out that the whole experience was interesting: 'We had doctors and specialists talk about ways to help and, most importantly, how to reduce the risk of cancer. We also had fun. I would like to thank OCA for the opportunity.'
The students pointed out that one of the first steps to support the cause would be to participate in OCA's annual walkathon to be held on October 30.
Teachers from other schools also attended the programme. The Sultan School has an annual cancer awareness campaign coinciding with OCA's annual walkathon.
Megan Beencke, Creativity, Activity, Service Coordinator, Sultan School, said, 'The 12th and 13th year students have to do a class called CAS (creativity, activity, service), where they have to do a project about a need in the local community. Some of our students choose a cancer cause in the month of October, aligning with OCA around the time of the walkathon. Our senior students put together a workshop for younger students to be more aware of cancer. Students also have the opportunity to visit Dar Al Hanan and see how their money is contributing to the support. Today I am here at the workshop to find out how we can be involved in the future.'
During their speeches, students presented their recommendations.