FWRM survey says 50% of women in Fiji will not seek medical help they need

The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has revealed that younger women in Fiji are being found with reproductive cancer and according to their survey, 50% of women in the country will not seek medical help that they need.

It says compared to other countries, Fiji has higher rates of cancer and based on their research i-Taukei women are more likely to have cancer.

Executive Director Nalini Singh says according to their research that was presented in the “Breaking the Barriers: Understanding Cancer Services, Screening Treatment Available for Women in Fiji” report, there is unequal cancer services available in Fiji.

Singh made these comments at a Pinktober Event at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.

She says Suva being the capital, has a higher level of services provided and cancer does not discriminate as women from interior parts of Fiji and maritime areas can get cancer and it is a concern that they may not be able to access services.

Singh adds the health seeking behaviour women have is also a barrier to them accessing the services.

She has also highlighted that early detection is necessary and if it is detected at a later stage then unfortunately, services for treatment is not available in Fiji and people would need to go abroad.

She says only those that have an insurance coverage and money to get the treatment are able to go overseas.

Singh has also highlighted that the stereotype women with cancer face is still rife in the community as women are shunned for no longer being pristine and pure as her body is deteriorating because of cancer.