Fiji Cancer Society records 43 breast cancer cases
This year, Fiji has recorded 43 newly diagnosed breast cancer cases and the cases are still being received every week.
Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) communications officer, Grace Tuivakasiga, urged women not to be afraid and come out at the early stages of cancer where it can still be treated.
“It is great to see that more women are coming out now compared to before and this is because of the awareness programmes that has been administered around the country,”
“Some don’t come to the hospital first and seek herbal medicine intervention, we are not discouraging that, but it is way safer and better to come to the health professionals first and then they can seek other alternatives from there,” she said.
The number is expected to increase by the end of the year.
“We currently assist more than 600 patients, we have registered 182 newly diagnosed patients and from those patients, a total of 43 breast cancer patients were recorded,” she said.
During the first quarter, FCS has been able to conduct 13 outreaches, reaching 1,867 clients through their awareness programs.
“We have provided cervical screening and VIA to 232 women, performed 389 breast examinations to women, provided PSA testing to 200 men and gathered 23 abnormal referrals,” Ms Tuivakasiga said.
“All our awareness and screening programs are funded through the generosity from different corporate houses Fijians across Fiji and abroad.”
She said Pinktober, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness month, is dedicated to focus on breast cancers for women and quite recently men.
“This year, due to the restrictions in place we have cancelled the annual pink walk to launch the breast cancer awareness month but have organized an event for the month of October. We have encouraged virtual awareness to continue our awareness programs,” she said.