The Ministry of Health says that more than 1400 cancer cases are diagnosed in Fiji each year, commonly affecting all age groups from children up to the elderly.
Speaking at the Bushell’s Fiji Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser, Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu said cancer is among the top five causes of death in Fiji; however, early diagnosis and treatment remain the best approach to managing cancer so that cure or suppression of the disease is achieved for those who have them.
Dr Lalabalavu said breast cancer is the most common cancer in Fiji, and affects both females and males – making up more than 20 percent of all cancers recorded in Fiji, and is estimated to be responsible for 2.43 percent of all deaths in 2020.
He said statistics show that the incidence of cancer continues to increase in Fiji, reflective of the global trend and it is also estimated that low and middle-income countries, will bear the brunt of the cancer burden in the years ahead.
The Ministry of Health has highlighted that it continues to work in partnership with the Fiji Cancer Society which has helped to provide essential support for those suffering from cancer.
Dr Lalabalavu called for a consorted effort from all Fijians and advocated for all to get medically checked if they notice something that is not ‘normal’ for them, to seek medical advice.
