‘Smoking not good for you’
SETAREKI Tuirabe was once a heavy smoker.
But when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017, the father of two decided to turn his life around.
After beating the deadly illness and getting a second chance at life, the 41-yearold has become a proud advocate for healthy living for all cancer patients in Fiji.
“When I was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2017, I had no idea that I had cancer, I thought it was just some sickness that was going around so I did not worry that much,” the Saqani villager said.
He knew the issue could be serious when he noticed bleeding during visits to the toilet and decided to get tested at the hospital.
“I knew something was wrong so I went for a checkup and that was when I found out I had bowel cancer.”
Mr Tuirabe said after receiving the news about his condition, he felt life was slipping through his fingers so he decided to change his lifestyle and quit smoking.
“Back then my doctor was the present Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, he was the one who told me I had cancer.
“I just felt like my world was crashing down after being told of the diagnosis, especially when I knew there was no cure for cancer. I had to get surgery done to remove a section of my large intestine and after I had the operation, I felt like life was not the same. The doctor told me I had one week to live but here I am five years later, and I am so happy for this second chance at life.
“I knew that my life was going to be different from that day onwards so I made sacrifices because I wanted to live longer.”
Mr Tuirabe has a young family and said he decided to get serious about his health because he was concerned about the wellbeing of his two young children, and wanted to be there for them for as long as he could.
“My eldest child was in class 3 and my youngest was a one-month-old baby when I was diagnosed, so it was one of the most difficult times for me.
“I worried a lot because I kept thinking that if I died who was going to look after them, it was my responsibility as a father to be there — so that was one of the main reasons I chose to stop smoking.”
Mr Tuirabe said after years of sacrifices and taking care of his health, he had dedicated his time towards advocating for cancer patients around the country.
“I completely stopped smoking after healing postsurgery and I can say that I am five years tobacco-free and it is a great feeling.
“I volunteer my time and services to the Fiji Cancer Society whenever they need me and I humbly offer my voice to share on the experiences I faced and how I can advise others to overcome their fears in relation to cancer.
“My message to every Fijian is to quit smoking. Smoking is not good for you even when you see the outside of the cigarette packet – it’s clearly written ‘cancer’.
“So my message to everyone is ‘do not smoke’. There are two things that will end when you smoke and that is your money and second is your life so please choose life and quit today.”
Setareki Tuirabe shares his story during the “World No Tobacco Day” celebration at the Civic Centre.