UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: The Women In The Know project intends to raise awareness about cancer amongst the female population in Zambia. The country's female population is estimated at 6 million. The total population is approximately 11 million. Current awareness levels is less than 5 per cent. Cancer affects more women than men and children. Cervical cancer is the number one killer. Due to ignorance, the majority of patients seek help when the disease is already in its advanced stage.

Methods: The awareness methods currently being used: • Weekly 30 minute radio programme in English mainly on breast cancer • Annual 30 minute television programme in English over 4 weeks during the month of October. • Distribution of limited literature in English. • Newspaper articles in English approximately 4 times a year.

The Women In The Know project tends to scale up efforts through: • Creation of a cancer information centre • Weekly local community radio broadcasts countrywide. • Posters/leaflets in local languages distributed at health centers countrywide. • Quarterly TV programmes in major local languages and English. • Partnerships with organisations operating in urban and rural areas •Website •Monthly column in leading local newspapers

Expected Results: 1. Increased knowledge about cancer prevention. 2. Lower cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking early treatment. 3. Increase in women going for Pap smear and mammography. 4. Reduced mortality rates from different cancers.

The project intends to reach at least 50% of women countrywide over the next 5 years