Women host prayer breakfast to mark Pinktober
While speaking at the prayer breakfast, the chairperson for the Oncology Committee Doctor Inosi Voce said cancer was a common cause of death for women.
The Soqosoqo Vakamarama of Labasa District and Ministry of Health and Medical Services organised a commemoration prayer breakfast at the Salvation Army Church in Labasa yesterday.
This was to mark breast cancer awareness month.
October has been assigned by stakeholders to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
While speaking at the prayer breakfast, the chairperson for the Oncology Committee Doctor Inosi Voce said cancer was a common cause of death for women. “This programme is a good opportunity to create awareness for families, friends and communities that cancer is a common sickness and can save lives of many if diagnosed at an early stage,” Dr Voce said.
“There are 1.15 million new cases of breast cancer that is affecting women all over the world today and has caused the lives of 470,000 women.
“Thus it is important to have frequent medical checkups, conduct self examination for the early detection of breast cancer.”
25-year-old Krishneel Prasad of Korowiri who was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2015 said love and support from family members helped him to survive and overcome the disease.
“My right arm got amputated because I did not seek early medical attention. I was diagnosed at the Labasa hospital and because of my late diagnosis, cancer spread so quickly around my arms,” Mr Prasad said.
“My family raised funds for my surgery costs in India and it was a success as I survived after my right arm was amputated. “Therefore I urge all women to take this cancer awareness and create more awareness programmes for families and communities to help save lives.”