NERS NEWS — Students of the Nurse Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga (Unair), conducted a Hospital Health Education (PKRS) session themed “Early Detection of Reproductive Cancers: Cervical and Breast Cancer” on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Waiting Area of the Obstetrics and Gynecology (Obgyn) Outpatient Clinic, Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RSUA), Surabaya. This activity was targeted at women of reproductive age, adult women, and patient families in the Obgyn Clinic waiting room. The session aimed to enhance public knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of early detection of cervical cancer and breast cancer, enabling early identification of suspicious signs and symptoms to seek prompt examination and appropriate management.
The educational activity was conducted through lecture and Q&A methods, covering topics such as definitions of cervical and breast cancer, causes and risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, early detection methods, preventive measures, and steps to take upon noticing suspicious changes. Education on early cervical cancer detection included Pap Smear examinations, HPV tests, and IVA tests. Meanwhile, breast cancer early detection emphasized the importance of Breast Self-Examination (SADARI), Clinical Breast Examination (SADANIS), and follow-up diagnostic tests as indicated. Leaflets and posters/PPT slides were utilized to help participants understand the presented information more effectively.
This event was conducted by Nurse Professional students of the Faculty of Nursing Unair Class of 49 Group D4.4 Maternity Nursing Rotation, under the guidance of Dr. Aria Aulia Nastiti, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. as the academic advisor and Berinda Januarti P., S.Keb., Bd. as the clinical instructor. In its implementation, Farah Nailul ‘Ilmi and Puji Tri Purnaningsih served as speakers, Savira Ratna as moderator, Nabila Zahra as documentation officer, and Cici Yulia as note-taker and observer. The session was attended by 15 participants comprising women of reproductive age, adult women, and patient families in the waiting area of the RSUA Obgyn Clinic.
Throughout the event, participants demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in the material presented. This was reflected in their active engagement during the presentation and participation in the discussion and Q&A session. One participant, Mrs. A, asked whether a lump in the armpit is a sign of breast cancer. The speaker explained that an axillary lump can be a sign of breast cancer due to potential cancer cell spread to the lymph nodes, although not all armpit lumps indicate cancer. Another participant, Mrs. H, inquired about the impact if a cervical cancer patient does not undergo surgery. It was explained that not all cervical cancer cases require surgical intervention, as treatment choices depend on the disease stage and patient condition. Management may also involve radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Without proper treatment, the cancer risks progressing and spreading to other organs.
Based on the event evaluation, the health education was attended by 15 participants, successfully reaching the target attendance goal. All group members actively performed their respective duties and assisted each other throughout the program. Participants listened attentively, actively asked questions, and demonstrated comprehension by recalling the information shared. Although the execution did not start precisely at 09:00 AM WIB as initially scheduled, the activity proceeded smoothly without significant obstacles.
This program represents a concrete contribution by nursing students toward advancing women’s health status through community education and empowerment. The execution of this health talk aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through increasing public awareness of the prevention and early detection of cervical and breast cancer.
- SDG 4: Quality Education through providing easily understandable health education that can be applied in daily life.
Through this health education initiative, the Faculty of Nursing Universitas Airlangga, through its Nurse Professional Education Program, is expected to continue contributing to public knowledge and awareness regarding women’s reproductive health. With increased understanding of risk factors, signs and symptoms, and early detection methods for cervical and breast cancer, women are encouraged to prioritize their health, undergo regular screenings as recommended by healthcare professionals, and avoid delaying medical consultation upon discovering suspicious changes.
Writer: Cici Yulia, Savira Ratnadewati Nirwasita, Nabila Zahra, Puji Tri Purnaningsih, and Farah Nailul ‘Ilmi
