Cervical Cancer is the leading cause of death amongst women in the country.

CWM’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Nanise Sikiti says the increase in cervical cancer cases is a result of less women getting Pap smear tests.

Dr Sikiti says only 9.8 percent of females in the country take this test seriously.

“Out of all cancer in women, 45% of women die of cervical cancer. It is on top of the list. It is also high incidence. Two studies done in Fiji in 2007 and 2012 shows the incidence of cervical cancer in Fiji ranging from 27- 35 percent per 100,000. That’s very high.”

Dr Sikiti adds that women need to take care of their health and educate themselves on the signs and symptoms associated with this disease.

Some of the symptoms include blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods, menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual, bleeding after intercourse, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding after menopause and unexplained, pelvic and back pain.