Those diagnosed with cancer and survivors can now call Suva Cancer Survivors helpline 249 4454 for support.

Group President Salote Qalo said they had received disheartening messages on their Facebook page and Instagram over the past three months.

“The type of calls we received were, having a need for surgery to remove one breast, but lack of family support, finding a lump, fear to go to the hospital, not having money to go to the hospital, husband not wanting his wife to go to the hospital,” she said.

“The five board members were using their own data plans and funds to call back and help their sisterhood for 15 to 30 minutes.

“We meet up with new surgical patients in their home with mastectomy pillows and a hospital bag.

“We calm down scared patients and talk to their families about what to expect in the coming months and talk our sisters through the chemotherapy journey and the services offered by Fiji Cancer Society.”

President Salote Qalo (right) and Denise
Kloeden release the help line number on International
Women’s Day on March 8, 2022.
Photo: Suva Cancer Survivors Group

Spokesperson Denise Kloeden said Pure Fiji had sponsored 12 months of the helpline’s calls.

Members of the group could help in Fijian, Hindi, Rotuman and English languages.

Feedback: sheenal.charan@fijisun.com.fj