The Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer, Belinda Chan, and her team were at the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) Headquarters at Berkeley Crescent on Thursday, February 28, to conduct prostate cancer checks for soldiers 45 years and above.

Mrs Chan said the aim of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test was to examine the level of fluid in the prostate whether it is low or high.

Because early detection could be cured through the medical services available.

“With the blood sample test, the outcome will either determine further screening or be given a treatment plan available if the test result is at an early stage,” Mrs Chan said.

“It is always good to go through screening because prevention is better than cure.

“Majority of male patients that turn up have reached the end of stage and chances of survival is very slim, “she added.

Colonel Pacolo Luveni said it was through the initiative of the Commander RFMF that the tests had been conducted.

“More screenings will be conducted because Commander RFMF Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto wants all soldiers above the age of 45 years to be tested,” Col Luveni said.

“The Commander RFMF has always stated that your wealth is your health.”

Rear Admiral Naupoto was pleased with the cancer society that the Prostate Specific Antigen test had eventually started in the RFMF and senior staff officers were screened.