Spotlight on a Member: Cancer Society Kāpiti

It is estimated that half of cancers are preventable through the lifestyle choices that we all make. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking or vaping, limiting alcohol intake and using sun protection all contribute positively to cancer prevention. Prompt detection through understanding symptoms and attending a bowel, breast or cervical cancer screening appointments, also help to significantly improve positive outcomes if cancer is detected and treated early.

The Cancer Society is at the forefront of promoting these messages. First established in 1929, this organisation has played a vital role in educating all New Zealanders about cancer prevention and screening, as well as advocating for better patient care, funding innovative research and providing extensive support to people undergoing treatment.

Through its Cancer Prevention Advocacy programme, the Cancer Society is able to reach right into the community to promote the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices that help to prevent cancer. In particular, recruiting younger volunteers as Cancer Prevention Advocates to communicate relevant and appropriate information to their peers is important work, enabling young people to make these choices early in their lives.

The Cancer Society is currently recruiting volunteer Cancer Prevention Advocates. The role will appeal to individuals looking to gain valuable experience in curating impactful messages for community engagement and campaigning opportunities. This can include speaking in public, posting on social media, and writing to MPs and others in influential positions, whilst also connecting with fellow students, friends and family to ‘spread the word’ about prevention. The knowledge and skills acquired in this role will provide useful insights for anyone considering a career in health sciences, journalism and media, social work and law and technology, and may help to enhance a CV or university applications.

The Cancer Society would love to hear from people with strong communication and interpersonal skills, who are interested in learning more about this role. For more information about this exciting volunteering opportunity and how to apply, please click here Cancer Prevention Advocate

Thanks to Bron Thomas, Outreach Volunteer for this article