Last Updated on 9 years by Publishing Team
Breast cancer cases in Fiji is on the increase because women refuse medical treatment or they do not present themselves early for medical checkups.
This was revealed at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) by Acting Permanent Secretary for Health & Medical Services Dr Meciusela Tuicakau at the launch of the Breast Cancer Awareness Program this morning.
“In 1st world countries, there are nil/ close to zero deaths due to Breast Cancers. However in Fiji there’s 60% mortality because of late detection & presentation to the hospitals”, Dr Tuicakau added.
The current statistics shows that Fiji has 355 cases of breast cancer of which 2% are males and 98% are females while the youngest being 17 years old.
Consultant surgeon at the CWM hospital, Dr Josese Bulitavu said that the escalating breast cancer cases in Fiji is due to the fact that women ignore medical treatment.
“With little or no success people fall back to the medical facilities but they are late. By the time they present to the health facilities, they are in advance stages of the disease which is difficult to contain”, said Dr Bulitavu.
“Breast cancer cases if presented early to the health facilities can be treated and the onus is on people to seek early medical intervention”.
The Assistant Minister for health and Medical services Mrs Veena Bhatnagar launched the pinktober awareness in Suva Last week.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has declared the month of October for advocacy on breast cancer awareness.
Numerous activities are organised to educate women on early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer .