Breast Cancer Is Most Common In Fiji, Says Minister Of Health
In Fiji, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer as the most common cancer.
This was highlighted by the Minster for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, last night.
“There are about 250 confirmed cases in a year,” he said during the Win Against Cancer Seminar at Grand Pacific Hotel.
“As you know we have treatment of cancers in Fiji which are available and obviously depending on the cancer if they have liquid cancers, we have chemotherapeutic agents that are available.
“But if we have solid cancers we now have cardio-surgeons coming back trained overseas who provide care in that area supported by chemotherapy.”
Unfortunately, the country lacks radiotherapy at the moment for treatment.
“One thing we are looking towards is really comprehensive oncology care,” Dr Waqainabete said.
“There was a gruelling number of liver cases in Fiji.
“These are young male, predominantly iTaukei and I wanted to find the association,” he said.
“One thing that worries me is that we are having growing liver abscess in Fiji, probably the highest post-standardised for population.”
The Managing Director of MIOT International, Dr Prithvi Mohandas, said the reason for this could be continuous exposure of the liver to alcohol which renders it weak and susceptible to cancer.
Edited by Percy Kean
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