German Cancer Aid hands-on station at the Museum Koenig
©Anspach/DKFZ
Short prick, long effect – Vaccination in childhood protects against cancer in later life
From 14 December 2021 to 06 February 2022, the German Cancer Aid hands-on station at the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Museum Koenig, in Bonn will provide interactive and child-friendly information about vaccinations against cancer. Vaccinations in childhood or adolescence can protect against certain cancers in adulthood.
It is mainly about “human papillomaviruses” (HPV). Infection with these viruses can lead to cervical cancer, penile cancer or cancer of the mouth and throat after many years. HPV vaccination can protect against this. The Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends it for 9- to 14-year-old girls and boys.
Various hands-on objects in the entrance area of the museum provide information about the dangers of the HP virus family. By trying them out and touching them, young visitors can learn how to protect themselves against cancer. Virus models can be felt in touch boxes, and a game of skill teaches how many vaccine doses are needed. In this way, it is simply fun to learn how one can do something for one’s health and at the same time against life-threatening diseases.
The hands-on station can be seen free of charge during the usual opening hours of the Museum Koenig.
FURTHER INFORMATION – ALSO ON THE CURRENT CORONA REGULATIONS
The hands-on station was created as part of the National Cancer Prevention Week 2021 – a joint initiative of German Cancer Aid, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the German Cancer Society (DKG). The three organizations want to give cancer prevention more visibility and public attention. After all, experts estimate that around 40 percent of all cancers could be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. The focus of Cancer Prevention Week, which takes place every September, is always on a different lifestyle factor that influences cancer risk.
Further information at: WWW.KREBSHILFE.DE/KREBSPRAEVENTIONSWOCHE and WWW.DKFZ.DE/KREBSPRAEVENTIONSWOCHE
