Dorset Nepalese Society hosts Cancer Awareness programme

London – The Dorset Nepalese Society (DNS) organised a cancer awareness programme to discuss health risks, prevention strategies, and cultural barriers about the disease. Approximately 60 members of the local community attended the programme.

The event organised on Sunday (4th January) and funded by the Wessex Cancer Alliance under the “Community Against Cancer” fund, aimed to bridge the gap in health literacy and encourage early screening within the South Asian population.

The programme featured presentations from health experts. Dr. Pramod Regmi, an executive member of the Dorset Nepalese Society and Principal Academic on International Health at Bournemouth University, provided an overview of cancer prevalence across global, UK, and Nepalese contexts. “Cancer awareness is important for Nepalese and other South Asian communities due to rising cancer rates,” Dr. Regmi stated. “There are also significant cultural and practical barriers to screening and early diagnosis of cancer in our community. These kinds of awareness programmes are very important.”

Dr. Beepin Sapkota, an NHS GP Registrar, detailed the clinical aspects of the disease, highlighting key risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. “It was such an amazing opportunity to disseminate awareness and help tackle the stigma around cancer, which can be more prevalent specifically in South Asian communities,” Dr. Sapkota added. “We should continue to impart knowledge and guidance as a way of ensuring health promotion, early screening and detection.”

The two-hour event also focused on debunking common myths prevalent within the Nepalese community. Facilitated by DNS Secretary Bikki Sapkota, the session utilised interactive quizzes and open discussions to foster a safe environment for questions often considered “taboo.”

Emphasising the importance of community-led action, Tulsi Phuyal, Chairperson of the Dorset Nepalese Society, highlighted the event as a catalyst for future change. “We need to work together to tackle health issues in our community,” said Mr. Phuyal. “This collaborative event is a first step to move this forward.”

Noting that cultural stigma often hinders routine cancer screening, organisers emphasised that community-led health education and empowerment are vital for early detection of the disease. The Dorset Nepalese Society plans to host another cancer awareness and health promotion session in early March. The 29029 Restaurant hosted the event and provided logistical support.