Never lose hope because you are never alone.

This was what that kept cancer survivor Adwina Ali going.

The mother of two was part of the Pinktober launch held at Tanoa Hotel in Suva on Tuesday.

Mrs Ali was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017.

As a survivor, she is calling on husbands to support their wives when they are diagnosed with cancer.

“Most of the time when a spouse finds out that his wife is diagnosed with cancer, he leaves her,” Mrs Ali.

“It should not be like that. This is when we need them the most.

“When you find out that your wife is sick especially when it is cancer please do support her because it is the one thing that she needs from you.

“The first time I was told that I had cancer I thought that I was going to die but support from those close to me especially my husband really pulled me through.

“Our husband is our partner and they are the first person we share everything with. This is a time we need their support and love.”

Adwina Ali.

Mrs Ali said women need to get a regular checkup.

“ Early presentation to the doctor is necessary in order to get it confirmed whether you have cancer or not.

“Cancer patients and survivors go through different experiences and treatment depending on the stage of illness.

“When I was diagnosed, I had to do a lot of running around since I had to settle some documents to go to India for treatment.”

Mrs Ali said as a survivor she was lucky to get support from the Fijian Government and the Fiji Cancer Society.

“It was costly but I was lucky that the Government-funded my hospital bills. I have been having my treatment and it will be two years now,” she said.

“I am a survivor. Whether it is cancer or any other sickness never think negatively. When I gave birth to my son my bleeding couldn’t stop and it was nearly a year after giving birth.

“I went to the doctor and got examined and they told me I had cervical cancer.

“What we can do is to encourage others to get checked or self-examine themselves.”

“Everyone should work together and make sure that no one fights cancer alone. “Most cancers are treatable if found early,”

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