The Fiji Cancer Society is targeting 500 screenings during its Pinktober cancer awareness road show next month.

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan confirmed that the roadshow would be held around Viti Levu from October 16-20.

This is a collaborative project between the Fiji Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, focussing on two most prevalent cancers amongst women in Fiji.

“We are using October to raise awareness on breast as well as cervical cancer. Both are very prevalent amongst our women here in Fiji so by raising awareness we want to ensure that people know where to go and what symptoms to look for,” Ms Chand  said.

“For the road show week we are hoping we can at least screen 500 women, the more the better. We will have a nursing practitioner who will be able to do the referrals directly to the divisional hospitals,” she said.

Roadshow stops are yet to be finalised.

“During the road show women can get a pap smear, instant results as well as breast checks. Women will be taught how to check their breasts for any signs of breast cancer,” she said.

“There will be some survivors to share their personal journeys.

“Besides survivors there are a few of the nurses who will also be able to talk to the women and if need be they will be referred for a biopsy.”

Meanwhile, Ms Chan said discussions were underway for a second road show in the northern division next year.

“At the moment we are just focussing on Viti Levu, but for the north we will consider this next year because of the logistics involved. We need to see what’s already available in the north in terms of transportation before we can set up a timetable,” she said.