Esophageal Cancer Patient Support Group Collaborates with University of Tsukuba, University of Technology to Conduct "Cancer Education" for University Students with Hearing Impairments

General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing (Representative Director: Kenjiro Takagi) will hold a "Cancer Education Program" for university students and faculty and staff with hearing impairments on July 21, 2026 (Tue), in collaboration with the FD/SD Planning Office and volunteer faculty members from the Department of Industrial Information at the National University Corporation University of Tsukuba, University of Technology.

With one in two Japanese people said to develop cancer in their lifetime, it is crucial for younger generations to acquire correct knowledge and understand the importance of prevention and screening. However, individuals with hearing impairments often face challenges in accessing necessary information, as medical and health information is frequently disseminated primarily through audio.

This program will provide an opportunity to consider one's own health and future by viewing cancer not as a "special illness" but as a "common health issue that can happen to anyone," through lectures by experts from the National Cancer Center and personal experience talks by esophageal cancer survivors.

Furthermore, lectures on preparing for cancer will be offered to university faculty and staff, aiming to deepen understanding of cancer and create an environment where everyone can learn and work with peace of mind.

Event Overview

<Name>

● Implementation of cancer education for university students with hearing impairments

● Preparation for cancer among university faculty and staff, including those with hearing impairments

<Date and Time>

July 21, 2026 (Tue)

- Part 1 (for students): 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM

- Part 2 (for faculty and staff): 4:10 PM - 5:20 PM

<Target Audience>

Students and faculty/staff of the University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

* Participation is limited to related parties.

<Venue>

University of Tsukuba, University of Technology (online participation planned)

<Collaborative Planning>

General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing

FD/SD Planning Office, Department of Industrial Information volunteer faculty, University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

<Information Provision>

Sign language interpreters will be provided.

Program

<Part 1: For Students / 2:40 PM - 4:00 PM>

1. Basic Knowledge about Cancer

"What You Should Know About Cancer"

Lecturer: Fumihiko Wako / Deputy Director, National Cancer Center, Information Center for Cancer Control

2. Personal Experience Talk by an Esophageal Cancer Survivor

"So Your Future Self Won't Have Regrets"

Lecturer: Kenjiro Takagi / Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing

3. Dialogue and Q&A with Students

<Part 2: For Faculty and Staff / 4:10 PM - 5:20 PM>

1. "Balancing Cancer Treatment and Work"

Lecturer: Madoka Nokita / Representative Director, General Incorporated Association "Cancer and Work Support"

2. "Financial Matters Supporting Cancer Treatment and Life"

Lecturer: Yukiko Shiba / Financial Planner, General Incorporated Association "Cancer and Work Support"

3. "What You Should Know Before Getting Cancer"

Lecturer: Naoya Moriya / Section Chief, Personnel Section, University Strategy Division, University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

Lecturer: Noriko Hayashi / Chief, Treasury Section, Finance Division, University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

Features of this Program

1. Cancer Education Specifically for Students with Hearing Impairments

Aiming to bridge the gap in access to medical information through information provision via sign language interpretation.

2. Collaboration Between Experts and Survivors

Providing "living learning" beyond just knowledge by combining accurate information from cancer research experts with the experiences of survivors who have actually battled cancer.

3. Preventive Awareness for Young People

Aiming to provide an opportunity for future health behaviors by conveying the importance of cancer prevention and screening.

4. Considering a "Society Living with Cancer" University-Wide

Implementing a program for faculty and staff to learn about balancing cancer treatment with work and support systems. Aiming to deepen understanding of cancer and create an environment where everyone can learn and work with peace of mind.

Comments from Collaborative Planners

▼ General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing

Kenjiro Takagi, Representative Director

We believe cancer education is an important learning experience for the younger generation who will shape the future. We also hope that everyone will have more opportunities to access necessary medical information and think about their own health.

Patient support groups cannot do everything. However, there are things we can convey precisely because we have experienced cancer. We believe that it is an important role for patient groups not only to support patients but also to contribute our experiences to society and create opportunities for cancer education.

We hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for each individual to think about their own health and the health of their loved ones, and lead to the spread of cancer education that is accessible to everyone, with consideration for various communication methods.

▼ National University Corporation University of Tsukuba, University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Information

Professor Hiroki Yamawaki

"I myself am a cancer survivor. Through my treatment, I realized the importance of correct knowledge and how much support can be gained from the experiences of fellow survivors. Cancer is a common illness that can happen to anyone. I want students to understand it as an issue that concerns themselves, their families, and their friends, and to use this as an opportunity to think about their health."

▼ National University Corporation University of Tsukuba, University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Information

Lecturer Shun Horiike

"I lost my father to cancer when I was a university student. From that experience, I believe cancer education is important not only for oneself but also for supporting family and loved ones. Through this opportunity, I hope students will gain the knowledge and mindset to respond calmly if a loved one has to face cancer."

Organization Overview

● General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing (Shokugan Rings)

https://www.shokuganrings.com/

A patient organization that supports exchange among esophageal cancer patients and their families, shares treatment experiences, and conducts awareness activities. It acts as a bridge connecting patients, families, medical professionals, and society through lectures, exchange meetings, and information dissemination.

● National University Corporation University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

https://www.tsukuba-tech.ac.jp/

A national university located in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and the only university in Japan for people who are deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired. The Faculty of Engineering, where students who are deaf/hard of hearing study, supports their learning through information provision such as sign language and text, and small-group education, fostering human resources equipped with specialized knowledge and skills.

◎ Inquiries Regarding Interviews

General Incorporated Association Esophageal Cancer Survivors Sharing

Representative Directors: Kenjiro Takagi, Makiko Sekine

info@shokuganrings.com

◎ Inquiries Regarding University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

Public Relations Office, University of Tsukuba, University of Technology

kouhou@ad.tsukuba-tech.ac.jp

▼ Press Release Download

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