The Fiji Cancer Society says 170 people have been diagnosed with cancer so far this year while there were 161 newly diagnosed cancer patients last year.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Fiji.
The Society says there are 45 newly registered breast cancer cases for the first seven months of this year while there were 37 cases for the same period last year.
For both years, all newly diagnosed cases for breast cancer were women.
Consultant physician at CWM Hospital, Dr Ane Veu says cancer was more common in the older generation before however more people in their 30’s and 40’s are now suffering from cancer.
She says they can only speculate on why this is but the risk of getting cancer can be lowered through healthy living.
Society CEO Belinda Chan says despite the current pandemic, they will continue to ensure that they provide for and support everyone battling this illness.
Chan says they have helped more than 1,104 cancer patients through their programs this year.
She says they have also delivered, distributed and performed approximately 1,757 health screenings and distributed diapers, oxygen, medical supplies, groceries, and COVID-19 hygiene packs.
The CEO says through Bushell’s Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea they have so far collected more than $17,000.
Meanwhile, to help with this cause, Rupert Boulton and the Blake family held a fundraiser and collected $864.50.
Chan further says other fundraising projects will be launched in the coming months.
The Fiji Cancer Society provides support to cancer patients and their families with services such as transport to receive treatment, supply of some medicines, assistance with administration and application fees for overseas travel, and they also provide transport to nurses to visit patients in their homes.
