Those diagnosed with cancer can still live a healthy life but with the proper medication and help.

The Fiji Cancer Society says they don’t stop women from seeking herbal medicine but it’s important to get professional medical attention first.

Program Manager, Josephine Oyagawa says many Fijians diagnosed with cancer regard the hospital as the last option for treatment.

“We don’t stop them if they want to use herbal medicine but we would advise them to please at least come forward and get screened by a doctor. If they still feel that they want to do the traditional medicine then the onus is on them but at least come and get screened. Get seen by a medical expert and you can get the best advice from the expert as well.” 

Cancer is a group of disease involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body and is one of the top three causes of death in Fiji

Some early signs of cancer include lumps, sores that fail to heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent indigestion, and chronic hoarseness.