Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, located north of Australia, with a population of approximately 10.5 million people. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with hundreds of languages and many communities living across remote and geographically challenging areas.
Women’s Cancer Prevention PNG is currently working in Morobe Province, the largest province in Papua New Guinea, with a population of approximately one million people. We plan to expand our work to other provinces in the future.
Breast and cervical cancer are two of the most common cancers affecting women in Papua New Guinea. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, while cervical cancer remains a major cause of illness and death. However, many of these deaths could be prevented through greater awareness, early detection, vaccination, and access to appropriate care.
These cancers are largely preventable and treatable, particularly when detected early. However, many women in Papua New Guinea face significant barriers to accessing timely diagnosis and treatment. There are currently no established national breast or cervical cancer screening programmes, and access to HPV vaccination remains limited.
Approximately 85% of Papua New Guinea’s population lives in rural and remote areas, where access to healthcare can be challenging. Health services often face shortages of trained healthcare workers, limited infrastructure, and difficulties reaching communities located far from medical facilities.
The high burden of breast and cervical cancer in PNG is influenced by a range of interconnected factors, including limited awareness of cancer symptoms, cultural stigma and misconceptions surrounding women’s health, financial barriers, and the challenges of travelling long distances to access healthcare. As a result, many women delay seeking care and present with advanced disease when treatment options are more limited.
Despite these challenges, communities across Papua New Guinea demonstrate great strength, resilience, and commitment to improving health. By working alongside communities and building on existing local strengths, WCP PNG aims to support sustainable solutions that help prevent cancer and improve health outcomes for women, families, and communities across the country.
Women's Cancer Prevention PNG 