Mr. & Ms. Breastestis – Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt)

Name of the activity: Mr. & Ms. Breastestis

Country/NMO: Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt)

Program: Healthy Lifestyles & Non-Communicable Diseases

Contact information: [email protected]

Type of the activity: Education

General description:

We aim to Provide reproductive neoplasms knowledge and changing attitudes of medical students” who are our future doctors” and the public
Through teaching them,
– Primary prevention:
These modifiable risk factors contribute to at least one third of all cancers
throughout the world.
– Early detection:
“early signs” of cancers and the necessities of proper follow up.

Focus area:

Cancer

Problem statement:

Medical students have responded to the building need to adequately tackle the issue of reproductive neoplasms on the global level – an issue strongly discussed within the IFMSA-Egypt Standing Committee on Reproductive Health including AIDS. Evidence-based launch of a national campaign though implementation of best social marketing and communication strategies we would like to reach our communities and beneficiaries as myths and stigma attached to cancers of the reproductive system are very much present.
Primary prevention: These modifiable risk factors contribute to at least one third of all cancers throughout the world. Cancer control programs should prioritize their efforts to advocate primary prevention. This can be tackled by promoting smoking cessation, reduction of adolescent smoking, physical activity, and UV protection.
Early detection: Early detection is the best strategy second to primary prevention. Early detection of cancer is comprised of two main bulks: Education/Awareness Screening Education should be faced heads on, first in the form of public awareness of “early signs” of cancers and the necessities of proper follow up. Secondly, by screening, another rather important entity when it comes to developing countries as they lack sufficient resources hence hindering the available screening programs. It has been stipulated that screening and adequate follow up can reduce cervical cancer deaths by up to 80%. Some of the most common cancer types such as breast cancer and cervical cancer have a high cure rate when detected early and treated according to best evidence.

Target groups and beneficiaries:

The whole public especially medical students & girls aged 18-25

Objectives and indicators of success:

Goal 1: To educate medical students on Reproductive neoplasms especially breast, ovarian and testicular cancer.
Obj. 1.1: National workshop about general breast health including breast cancer.
Obj. 1.2: Physical campaigns at faculty of medicine of each LC. The health message will include general breast health and Men’s reproductive neoplasms.
Obj. 1.3: Distribution of Flyers presented by breast cancer foundation.
Obj. 1.4: Local trainings held in each LC before the start of the physical campaign.
Obj. 1.5: Online Campaign during October for Breast cancer and during November for Testicular Cancer. The Campaigns will include facts and myths about each disease and photo competitions between LCs.

Goal 2: To promote for breast cancer early detection and reproductive neoplasms information among the public.
Obj. 2.1: Physical campaign at places of gatherings.
Obj. 2.2: Physical convoy to raise awareness in rural areas.
Obj. 2.3: Distribution of Flyers presented by breast cancer foundation.
Obj. 2.4: Helping LCs who don’t have a mammogram to get the portable mammogram during their campaigns.

Goal 3: To introduce psychological support groups for breast cancer patients in all LCs outside Cairo.
Obj. 3.1: Offering 4 support groups in each LC in the period from 1st of Feb. 2018 till 30th of April, 2018.

Goal 4: To raise money for breast cancer chemotherapy and research.
Obj. 4.1: Local Fundraising event in each LC selling printable materials to raise money for local oncology centers.
Obj. 4.2: National Fundraising event as a concert in August, 2018 to raise money for breast cancer hospitals.

Methodology:

1.Core National Training for IFMSA-Egypt members: The aim of the training is giving the members true information about the genital cancers. The training will be conducted later on in the participating LCs.
Timeline: October, 2017
2. Run for a cause: A run to raise awareness for breast cancer symptoms and early detection during October.
3. Outreach Campaigns to conduct our message to the public: The aim of this phase is raising awareness between women aged over 30 about breast cancer risk factors symptoms, self-examination and early detection.
Timeline: From 1st – 15th of November, 2017.
4. Outreach Campaigns to conduct our message to medical students:
The aim of this phase is raising awareness between girls aged 18-25 about general breast health including breast cancer.
Timeline: From beginning of Feb. till End of April, 2018.
5. Online Campaigns:
-Breast Cancer during October, 2017. – Testicular Cancer during November, 2017.
– Ovarian Cancer during March, 2018. The Campaigns will include facts and myths about each disease.
6. Psychological Support Groups:
In coordination with organizations offering support groups in Cairo, we will introduce support groups in other governorates in a permanent not temporary manner.
Timeline: From beginning of Feb till End of April, 2018.
7. National Events:
-A conference about reproductive tumors to be held in March, 2018. – A National Fundraising Event to be held in August, 2018.
8. Local Events:
Local Fundraising Events in each LC selling printable materials to raise money for local oncology centers. Timeline: Beginning of Feb. till End of April, 2018.

Plans for evaluation:

1. Direct monitoring of the online work.
2. Attending the outreach campaigns in the LCs
3. Regular meetings with LCs
4. Reporting from the LORAs & LCs to the National Coordinator.
5. Reporting from the National Coordinator to the PSDD and the NORA.