Teresia Tokona is urging Fijians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

The 61-year-old who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer early this year says many women and men do not know that they maybe infected with the disease.

Tokona says early detection saves lives.

She says many patients tend to opt for herbal medicine first rather than getting medical attention and this results in their deteriorating condition.

“Anything that is extraordinary that you see that is happening to your breast – you need to go straight to the doctor, if it’s a scratch or itchiness or like mine blood is coming out. I beg you if you could just take it straight to the doctor for examination.”

Meanwhile, she stressed that positive vibes from close relatives is always helpful.

Teresia Tokona is now cancer-free. She underwent surgery when a team of medical doctors came from New Zealand in April.