18-year-old cancer survivor inspires at Cancer Awareness Launch

Being diagnosed with cancer came as a shock, not just to me, but to my whole family - what followed was a difficult battle through surgery, chemotherapy, and both emotional and physical trauma.

This was shared by 18-year-old Luisa Tacikalou during the launch of the 2025 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Suva today.

Tacikalou says she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 14 years old and she was scared when doctors informed her family that her right ovary would need to be removed.

She says she did not want to go through the treatment as she knew it was going to change how she looked and how she felt — but with encouragement from doctors and her family, she was able to overcome the challenges.

Tacikalou courageously detailed her symptoms — high fevers, headaches, vomiting, and swollen hands — and the toll that cancer and its treatment took on her young body.

The 18-year-old credited her mother’s determination — who tirelessly sought help from various hospitals — her family’s unwavering support, and the care of medical professionals for helping her through.

She also expressed heartfelt thanks to WOWS Kids Fiji, whose support ensured her family never had to worry about the costs of transport or medication.

Now strong and healthy, Tacikalou has found her voice as a survivor — and she is using it to advocate for early detection and greater awareness of childhood cancer.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, mentioned that WOWS Kids Fiji has supported 57 children since its establishment.

He says that 17 children are currently undergoing treatment with support from WOWS Kids, while 14 are in the post-recovery period and 9 are under palliative care.

17 children have also courageously survived childhood cancer.

Kamikamica says the childhood cancer survival rate in Fiji hovers at 20 percent, compared to 80 percent in high-income countries.

He notes that childhood cancer differs from adult cancer, as it is not linked to lifestyle or environment, and it can be difficult to detect.

He adds that tragically, far too many cases remain undiagnosed until it is too late — which is why there is a need for parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders to understand the signs, act early, and speak up.

Kamikamica also addressed misinformation and cultural myths surrounding cancer, saying that it is not a curse, it is not contagious, and it is not the fault of the child or their parents.

He adds that cancer is an illness — and it deserves our united response.

Meanwhile, WOWS Kids Fiji founder Sina Kami is requesting the government to allocate a piece of land that can be used to build a hospital dedicated to the treatment of cancer.

The Minister says this is certainly something that can be considered, and he will take the message to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

He says that childhood cancer is a devastating disease, and he is urging parents and child caregivers to be aware of the early signs and symptoms, and to take children to the hospital if something feels wrong.