Free Breast Exams, Pap Smear For Women’s Day
“Sometimes women go looking for herbal medicines and hospital is their last resort which is one of the reasons why they succumb to cancer.”
Wednesday 09 March 2022 | 16:07
Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji staff members (from left), Sereana Cagilaba, Tarai Nakolinivalu and Alisi Loco. Photo: Sheenal Charan
Various customers and staff members at the MHCC Complex in Suva marked International Women’s Day by getting a free breast and Pap Smear examination yesterday.
These services were provided free of charge by the MHCC team and non-governmental organisation, Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF) to empower women to seek proper health care.
RFHAF Clinic Manager Tarai Nakolinivalu said breast cancer and cervical cancer were the top two causes of deaths among women in Fiji.
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“Women need to come early for screening and testing which is free of charge for a healthy life,” she said.
“If it’s detected early, it’s easy to cure.
“Sometimes women go looking for herbal medicines and hospital is their last resort which is one of the reasons why they succumb to cancer.”
Kalesi Ravu, 29, who was one of the many women who got examined yesterday was relieved.
“It has been four years now since I am working at MHCC and this was the first time something as such was organised,” she said.
“It’s my first check-up and I am glad that I got a chance to get examined because I don’t get time to go to the hospital because I am working.
“Even though I get days off on weekdays, I am not able to go to the hospital because of household responsibilities.
“Every woman should take advantage of free services like this whenever they get a chance to.”
Feedback: sheenal.charan@fijisun.com.fj
