THE BEGINNING
In February, the first meeting with students from Collegio Gallio will take place. The topic will be youth cancer awareness through the initiative “Lessons Against Silence.”
This year, the Rotary Club of Como has joined Project Martina, a Lions Clubs initiative launched ten years ago in Padua by Professor Cosimo Di Maggio and recognised as a National Service Project by the Lions Multiple District 108 Italy for the 2011–2012 Rotary year.
PATRONAGE
Italian Senate
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education and Merit
LILT – Italian League Against Cancer
Umberto Veronesi Foundation ETS
Europa Donna Italia
OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT MARTINA
1. TO INFORM
To provide young people with information about cancer prevention, the possibility of avoiding certain types of cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need to take an active role in protecting their own health.
2. TO PROVIDE REASSURANCE
To help young people understand how to face illness, knowing that it is possible to protect oneself and that many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Knowledge brings reassurance, empowering people to face life with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Project Martina is offered free of charge and reflects the spirit of service that inspires the organisations promoting it. Through lectures delivered by medical professionals in participating secondary schools, it provides students and their families with accurate information about cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
The project is dedicated to the memory of Martina, a young woman who, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, strongly wished that young people would receive proper information and education to take better care of their health.
As she said:
“Although some diseases are uncommon among young people, when they do occur they can have particularly serious consequences.”
WHY TALK TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT CANCER?
– Because some forms of cancer can also affect young people.
– Because many cancers begin to develop at a young age.
– Because many cancers are linked to genetic mutations that occur over time as a result of environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyles. Understanding these risk factors from an early age helps reduce personal risk later in life.
