Herbal and traditional medicine does not cure breast cancer, see a doctor.

This was the plea made by breast cancer survivor, Unaisi Cabealawa, while sharing her testimony during the Suva Cancer Survivors group drum circle event.

The stage four cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 opted for traditional medicine for a couple of years because she was in denial about the fact that she had cancer.

“I could not believe that I had cancer and told the doctor that my breast was normal,” the 63-year-old mother of two said.

“I was trying to hide my cancer by using traditional and herbal medicines, but after two years I could not bear the pain.

“For those two years, I was waiting for a result, but there was no change, my breast was swollen and I was in pain.

“My advice is to see a doctor, do not wait for herbal results, it does not work.”

Cancer survivor, Unaisi Cabealawa 63 while
celebrating life with other cancer survivors and the Rako dance group on March 1, 2022.
Photo: Ronald Kumar.

Sister

Mrs Cabealawa’s sister who was also diagnosed with breast cancer who unfortunately passed on.

“I had a sister that had breast cancer and I could feel the pain that she felt,” Mrs Cabealawa recalled.

“Her situation was worse, I told myself that I won’t go through the same.

“My sister did not survive cancer because when she went to the doctor, it was too late. She was way younger than me.”

Beating of drums

Around 13 cancer survivors took part in beating drums to relieve stress and anxiety.

Suva Cancer Survivors Group spokesperson Denise Kloeden said the benefits of drumming were around for many years.

“Cancer survivors’ drummers were very popular overseas as a therapeutic tool for people who had gone through chemotherapy in the journey of cancer,” she said.

“While people are confused about having cancer as some might think why it happened to them when they were such a good person, it gives them a chance to beat the drums and take out their frustration.”

She said this was the first time they have done it and was hoping they would do this more often.

Ms Cabealawa said beating drums reduced stress.

“I really loved it because for those three years I was at home, bombarded with negative thoughts,” she said.

“I am looking forward to doing it again, I need to continue with this so that I can feel relaxed.”

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