News

Women urged to get screened for breast cancer

May 8, 2018 6:50 pm

There are reasons as to why many women diagnosed with breast cancer turn up to hospitals in the late stages of the disease.

Fiji Cancer Society, Chief Executive Berlinda Chan says these women often live in fear and some find difficulty in receiving treatment.

Chan says these women fight a devastating battle that’s often associated with stigma from the public.

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“Well basically with our I-Taukei women, they often find it very difficult because they don’t have the social support or more the family support. They don’t have the finance and there’s always the stigma and plus the family and social obligations they have. The key thing they need to understand is that the services offered at the hospital for breast cancer treatment is free and if they need assistance in regards to transportation or medication then contact us, that’s what we’re here for.”

Meanwhile, CWM Hospital Consultant Surgeon, Dr Josese Turagava, says most i-Taukei women diagnosed with breast cancer are turning to traditional or herbal medicine treatment, however, this has failed in several cases.

Dr Turagava says many of these women return to the hospital with far worse conditions.

Women around the country are urged to take a bold step by visiting health centres and hospitals to be screened for breast cancer and get the much needed medical attention.