One thousand one hundred new cases of cancer are recorded every year with an average of 700 people dying annually.

Fiji Cancer Society Board Member, Makrava Wilson says more than 50 per cent of these are found to be breast and cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Marica Naigulevu a registered nurse who championed the setting up of Fiji’s gynecologic oncology unit has called for support in the area of palliative care.

Naigulevu says this is the last line of care for patients adding that we must try to put more life into their days and not just more days into their life.

The FCS has also announced plans to launch a new palliative programme next year.