UNAIR NEWS – Cancer is a chronic disease with second highest mortality rate in the world. Recently, the incidence of cancer has increased significantly in Indonesia.
As a response, some lecturers at Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga took preventive measures by promoting a healthy lifestyle. The community service was held at RW II Kejawan Lor, Kenjeran, Surabaya on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.
Dinda Monika Nusantara Ratri, S.Farm., M.Farm.Klin., as the Public Relations Coordinator said that education related to cancer has not been given widely and evenly to the community. This fact is obtained from the results of a study conducted by the executive team.
“From the study carried out in Kenjeran, not many residents have carried out independent exam to prevent cancer,” said the lecturer at of Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNAIR.
Dinda also said that there were two materials presented. The first material was Beware of Cancer, presented by Dinda herself. During the session, Dinda also gave training on Breast Self Examination (BSE).
Furthermore, residents were given counseling related to efforts to prevent the development of cancer through the implementation of healthy living. This material was presented by Dra. Toetik Aryani, M.Si. as a lecturer of Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy UNAIR as well as RSUA CSSD Installation Pharmacist. On that occasion, Toetik Aryani gave an example of a healthy lifestyle that can be applied by the community.
According to Dinda, the material is very important for the community. “This is important, if there is an initial complaint of cancer, the public can immediately carry out an examination. Without having to wait for the progression of disease to reach its final stage, “said Dinda who is also a pharmacist at RSUA Pharmacy Installation.
Due to pandemic, the committee implemented strict health procedures as the activity’s duration was limited.
Before the event was started, residents were required to wash their hands, wear a mask, check the temperature, and keep their safe distance. The number of participants was limited. The activity was also carried out in open spaces.
Apart from increasing people’s knowledge of cancer, this activity is a form of support for the Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) program launched by the government. “This is an annual agenda with a different topic from the previous year, adjusted to the conditions of the surrounding community,” she said.
As an Indonesian pharmacist, Dinda hopes that people can adopt a healthy lifestyle. So the level of public health is high and prevention of serious diseases can be done.
“Educational activities, dissemination, counseling, or training on disease prevention must be done massively, so that the results obtained are even more massive. This certainly needs support from several parties as well as collaboration from Indonesian health workers, donors and volunteers, ” she said. (*)
Author: Erika Eight Novanty
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
