The goal of the Cancer Smart App is to educate school children about all cancer that often remains undetected in young adults due to the diverse society in South Africa, where cultural taboos, stigmas and a lack of knowledge about the subject is widespread. Due to the household situation in South Africa one child will reach up to another 7 people at home with the information we provide at schools. We need US$ 1.10 to educate a child about the importance to detect cancer early.
"Because you made us aware I went to the doctor in time. I have testicular cancer and I'm 16 years old. You saved my life!" - These are the words of a former student of mine. Being a testicular cancer survivor and biology teacher, I used one of my lessons every year to educate about testicular cancer and the importance of detecting cancer early. I realised just by openly addressing cancer I break stigma and taboos, which are widespread in South Africa. Knowledge is lifesaving! (Torsten Koehler)
We like to change young people's habits through education to look after their health starting at school level already. Our Cancer Smart App teaches kids: Where can I find help if I am diagnosed with cancer? How can I support a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer? How my healthy lifestyle will lower my risk of getting cancer. How early detection increases the chance to survive cancer. How can I educate my community? Smartphones are everywhere and knowledge is lifesaving.
When we fail to educate and provide knowledge to the next generation, they have fewer opportunities of living a healthy lifestyle to become the future change agents to cultural taboos and stigma in their community and country. For the patient early detected cancer means: Survival Less trauma because the survival rate is higher. Less financial burden because the majority in Africa doesn't have a medical aid, that would cover the cost. Shorter treatment means few days absent at work.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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