Rosy Akbar: A total of 282 cases of breast cancer which were recorded by the Ministry (2017)

Breast cancer is killing our Fijians.

The statement was highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar, at the launch of Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness at the University of Fiji Campus in Saweni, Lautoka last Friday.

Ms Akbar said breast cancer was the most common type of cancer in Fiji.

“In Fiji breast cancer is the most common cancer which has resulted in a total of 282 cases of breast cancer which were recorded by the Ministry (2017),” she said.

“Similarly a total of 56 breast cancer cases have been recorded for this year and out of this 56 cases, one case was recorded within a male.”

She said at least four men in Fiji were diagnosed with cancer every year.

“In Fiji also have about four men with Breast Cancer every year. The ministry has recorded a total of 141 mortalities due to breast cancer last year and a total of 77 mortalities recorded from the period of January to July this year,” she said.

She said in Fiji, there was effort made in creating advocacy about cancer.

“In order for our Fijians to understand what needs to be done, if detected early, it’s treatable if you visit your doctor and seek advice,” she said.

“The underlining facts for us in Fiji is that a lot of people seek treatment when it’s too late and you and I both know that cancer kills.

“Cancer knows no gender, it doesn’t care whether you are rich or poor, it doesn’t care whether you’re a man or woman, it doesn’t care where you live, it’s a global issue.”

She applauded the Fiji Cancer Society for the work they continue to do for cancer survivors as well as the support shown towards their families.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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