Challenging stereotypes
FIJI Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali says “we need to challenge the stereotypes surrounding breast cancer”.
She said there were a lot of stereotypes associated with breast cancer, with sexual stereotypes being the most common.
Ms Ali said the age-old stereotype that the breasts were the most visible and tangible symbol of femininity was common in many cultures.
“This is not true and results in breast cancer patients fearing diminished femininity and rejection, which may induce psychological problems,” she said.
“Some men also perceive that having a breast removed would make a woman unfit for sex.
“This is also not true.
“The decision to surgically remove a breast either to treat or prevent cancer should never be taken lightly.
“And, in our breast-obsessed culture, for many women this medical decision is further complicated by societal pressures and norms.
“The fact that someone has breast cancer is more of a taboo topic and an embarrassing discussion in many families.”
Ms Ali said everyone should spend Pinktober focusing on challenging the stereotypes and stigmatisation associated with breast cancer.
She also said survivors should be given a space in society to share their stories.
Ms Ali said while limited resources and medical costs remain the biggest deterrents for cancer treatments, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
“When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured.
“If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relieve the suffering of patients and their families is needed.”
Ms Ali said education was also vital in the fight against breast cancer.
“While most people are aware that breast cancer exists, there’s still much that can be done to inform people about the disease.
“Educating yourself and those in your community is an important part of breast cancer awareness.
“There’s a lot of misinformation about breast cancer and common knowledge about breast cancer that isn’t actually accurate.
“Having the wrong information, or not having the information at all, can stand in the way of women receiving the care that they need.”
She urged women to stay informed and to seek out accurate information about breast cancer.
Ms Ali, a survivor of colon and lung cancer, said the Pinktober month was also a great opportunity to start conversations about breast cancer.
She urged healthcare providers to be more encouraging in the words they used so that women would feel comfortable about coming forward for cancer screenings.
Ms Ali also commended the hard work and efforts being put in place by stakeholders and healthcare providers in the fight against breast cancer.