The excessive consumption of Yaqona is believed to be a major contributor to cancer in Fiji.
While officiating at the Pinktober symposium in Suva yesterday, Fiji Medical Association President, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says the Health ministry believes there needs to be more research into the use of yaqona.
“There are some links with yaqona, and liver excess and so forth so if you think about it, it’s the excess access of food, alcohol, smoking and so forth, that’s the things that contribute to cancer.”
Dr Waqainabete says part of the discussion was living a lifestyle eliminating causes of the killer disease.
FNU Pro Vice Chancellor-Learning & Teaching Dr Eci Nabalarua says awareness regarding cancer should begin at home.
Also participating in the annual symposium are cancer survivors, medical and nursing students, staff and the public.
The symposium is a partnership between FNU, the Fiji Medical Association and the Fiji Cancer Society.
