$25,000 donation supports cancer prevention, screening efforts

Private sector funding is helping the Fiji Cancer Society expand outreach, screening, and early detection programmes amid growing health concerns.

This follows a $25,000 donation from Jacks of Fiji to support cancer prevention and education initiatives across communities.

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive Belinda Chan said the partnership would help the organisation strengthen outreach efforts that have often been limited by funding constraints.

“This partnership signifies a new way for the Fiji Cancer Society to do its work,” Ms Chan said.

“We understand that we cannot do it alone. Year in, year out, we are dependent and reliant on our iconic events like Pinktober, but we find that it is not enough to get the work done.”

Ms Chan said the society continued to carry out community outreach programmes focused on prevention, education, and cancer screening.

“Over the years, we have seen that through all that, we are now starting to see people presenting early,” she said.

She said the collaboration with Jacks of Fiji would also help the society better monitor and support patients within the healthcare system.

“At the end of the day, it is about getting the message across to each and every one of us and normalising conversations about cancer,” Ms Chan said.

“We need to learn to normalise conversations not only about cancer, but health issues such as HIV, which is out there. We need to start talking about it.

“Talk about drug abuse. Talk about the reality of drugs with your work colleagues, with your family, and more importantly with children who are so impressionable.”

Jacks of Fiji CSR chairman Ronald Reddy said the partnership was grounded in care, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Fijians.

“It is not simply about the presentation of a cheque or signing of an agreement,” Mr Reddy said.

“It is about people, families, awareness, prevention, education, and hope.”

Mr Reddy said cancer continued to affect thousands of lives across Fiji and around the world.

“Almost every one of us knows someone — a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbour — whose life has been touched by cancer,” he said.

“That is why partnerships like this matter.”

He said businesses had a responsibility that extended beyond commercial success.

“True success is measured not only by growth, but by the positive difference we make in the communities we serve,” Mr Reddy said.