Survivors’ group helps

FIJI has a population of 311,808 women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Current estimates indicate that every year 136 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 92 die from the disease.

Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in Fiji and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.

According to the Institute for Health Metrix and Evaluation (IHME) Fiji, breast cancer has accounted for 28.2 per cent of deaths in the country from 2009 to 2019.

World Health Organization 2020 data showed the ageadjusted death rate by cause indicated deaths by breast cancer in Fiji was 41.41 per cent per 100,000 of the population, ranking Fiji second in the world with 162 deaths.

WITH between 250 and 300 Fijian women developing breast cancer every year and 136 being diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, the need to have a steady support system is critical for those diagnosed with the illness.

Women diagnosed with cancer are heavily dependent on the physical and mental support from family and friends during their journey to recovery.

And in some cases, there are women who do not have the kind of support system they need – for various reasons.

For those who fall into this category, a group of women who go by the name ‘Suva Cancer Survivors’ is there.

Since its inception in December

2021, the group continues to bring relief to the lives of cancer warriors and their family around the country.

Suva Cancer Survivors group president Salote Qalo said the group was formed after many discussions at the Suva Olympic Pool where women cancer survivors would convene twice a week for aqua fitness classes.

“We were just a group of cancer survivors who went swimming together as part of a group called mermaid warriors,” she said.

“This was because as breast cancer survivors, we noticed the arm where the breast is affected was usually swollen.

“This is called lymphedema where there is swelling due to the build-up of lymph liquid in the body.

“So we decided to form a group which is where the name ‘Suva Cancer Survivors’ came from and anyone can come join the group as long as you exercise with us.”

Cervical and breast cancer survivor Lilly Leba said she has been with the group for over a year and it had been her “home away from home”.

“I feel really happy when I am around these ladies because they also helped me after I had undergone both of my surgeries,” she said.

“As a group, we love giving back to the community because it is something we are all passionate about.”

Cancer has a way of taking over one’s life over a period and part of the group’s healing journey was spending time giving back to the community.

From when the group was established in 2021, the women have been conduct