Many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer turn to herbal treatment first rather than seeking medical attention.
Health Minister Rosy Akbar says some cases are only presented to hospitals when conditions worsen.
Speaking at the Women in Business Pinktober Breakfast in Suva this morning, Akbar says a total of seventy-seven deaths were recorded from January to July this year.
She says women play an important role within their individual families and it’s absolutely vital that they’re aware of their well being.
” Anything that you see is abnormal in you breast is a sign that you need to have a checkup. We have cases coming that it’s gone, half of it is gone. What seems to be the problem? We sometimes go too much into herbal, we go for a massage and put these leaves, hoping it’s going to cure you and maybe your belief but you need to seek medical attention.”
Meanwhile, two cancer survivors shared their stories on fight against Cancer while Dr Josese Turagava of CWM Hospital did a presentation on the killer disease in Fiji.
Various stakeholders and business corporates were part of the WIB event – which is also aimed at supporting Children with Cancer.
