Over 182 cancer cases recorded in Fiji this year

This year, the Fiji Cancer Society has recorded more than 182 cancer cases, of which 69 are breast cancer cases across Fiji.

The organisation reached out to over 13,200 individuals and conducted breast examinations to more than 2629 women and referred more than 118 abnormal breast cases for further diagnosis and treatment in last four years.

For the organisation, each referral represents a person, mother, sister, daughter, friend who now has a fighting chance because awareness led to screening and screening led to hope.

Advice

The organisation firmly believes early detection remains its powerful tool. It further stated that awareness meant knowing breast cancer exists. It’s urging women to take action which means booking your clinical breast exam or mammogram.

It also means performing monthly self-checks and recognising the signs - a lump, skin changes, nipple inversion and knowing what’s normal to you. The organisation’s message to women is ‘don’t let fear hold you back, let awareness move you forward.’

It emphasised that action doesn’t stop at screenings; It lives in our daily choices. Moreover, it said while some risk factors were beyond our control, many were not.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol and ditching a huge slice of cakes during functions are not just good habits. It advised that they are protective steps we can all take and let your action be a commitment to your health.

Staff of Medical Services Pacific (MSP) during the Pinktober awareness programme at Lions Park in Labasa on October 22, 2025.

Photo: Shratika Naidu

Labasa March

“No one should face illness or struggle alone.”

This was the message from Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr Tiko Saumalua, after medical staff marched through the streets of Labasa Town to Lions Park during the Pinktober and mental health awareness programme yesterday.

He thanked participants from other organisations who joined the walk, saying their presence—dressed in pink T-shirts—turned the streets into a sea of pink.

“This walk was a beautiful symbol of unity, awareness, and empowerment,” Dr Saumalua said.

“It was a walk with purpose, a walk with love, and a walk with hope.”

He encouraged the gathering to let the walk serve as a reminder that awareness leads to action, and action leads to change.

Dr Saumalua also urged attendees, including cancer survivors and their families, to continue supporting one another—not just today, but every day.

“No one should face illness or struggle alone, and that is why we observed Pinktober and mental health awareness together this month,” he said.
“We are hopeful that this one-day event has reached many with a message to support and stand up for each other in any kind of health challenge.”

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