Fiji Cancer Society Urges Men With Breast Cancer To Speak Out
Five cases recorded so far, with three deaths
The Fiji Cancer Society is working on building awareness and support programmes so that men with breast cancer or symptoms of it can be encouraged to seek treatment for it. The second aim is to raise awareness on it.
So far the organisation has recorded five breast cancer cases in Fiji. Three of the cases were fatal, the other two are undergoing treatment.
But while the chances of men getting breast cancer is lower not only in Fiji but elsewhere in the world, chief executive officer Belinda Chan said men and support systems needed to be more active. Ms Chan said while most of the attention was placed on men supporting their wives, women also needed to encourage their loved ones to open up.
“The wives are doing their part in supporting their husbands but it’s the men who pull away and don’t want to share their experiences when suffering from breast cancer or other cancers like prostate, testicular, liver and lymphoma,” she said.
“For the two survivors, one resides in Suva while the other stays in Kadavu with his wife and travels to Suva for check-ups,” she said.
“There may be other men out there who have breast cancer but do not know yet or may not want to come in for screening and I think it’s because culture dictates that as a man you are considered weak if you share your experiences.” She urged them and their loved ones to come forward so they can get the treatment and support they deserved.
“There is a need for men to admit first and foremost that they need help rather than conform to this macho ego exterior.”