A united approach is essential in order to effectively raise awareness on breast cancer, says Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar.

“One thing stands out very clear is that we should not tire ourselves from talking about breast cancer or any other health related or social issue that is plaguing our society,” she said.

“The more people hear about it the more seriously they will think about it.”

Ms Akbar was speaking yesterday during a Pinktober morning tea organised by Fiji Dairy Limited and Janty Kanvan Limited at the Albert Park pavilion in Suva.

She said there was a need to reduce the stigma associated with breast cancer and more dialogue around it would increase its awareness.

Ms Akbar said at one time, issues such as breast cancer were a taboo and were not talked about.

“I think we have broken the taboo and men and women and children within our living rooms need to talk about this more,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Akbar acknowledged the efforts of Fiji Dairy Limited and Janty Kanvan Limited in raising awareness and funds towards the worthy cause.

She said 90 per cent of people who turned up in hospitals with symptoms of breast cancer here were found to be in their very late stages.

“From January to July this year, we only have 115 confirmed cases of breast cancer in women and at least five of them are men,” Ms Akbar said.

This was compared to last year’s alarming 215 confirmed cases of breast cancer, she said.

“In Fiji alone, breast cancer is the third leading cause of deaths and almost accounts for 10 per cent of deaths,” she said.

Breast cancer survivor Salome Nainoca shared her experiences, which brought tears to some present at the event.

Ms Nainoca however urged everyone to go for early screenings and requested community support for those who were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Meanwhile, the month of November will be dedicated towards male prostate cancer with its awareness programmes such as the No-Shave November.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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