There are 772 new cancer patients that have been registered by the Fiji Cancer Society from January 2023 till June 2024 and this does not include those that already have been supported by the organisation.
This statistic was revealed by Fiji Cancer Society Monitoring and Evaluation Program Officer Shweta Kapoor who says during this period, the organisation has dedicated a total of $144,004.10 to patient support just to cover essential services like taxi rides to medical centers, diagnostic tests, chemotherapy drugs not covered under the government scheme, CT scans and even weekend oncology operations.
Kapoor adds this amount represents only a fraction of what they do as they have spent a staggering $317,851.78.
She says behind these numbers are real lives, families who can now hold on to a little hope a little longer, parents who can watch their children grow up and loved ones who are given more precious time.
She adds beyond financial support, they have arranged nearly 5,000 transfers including boat trips, flights, ambulances, ambulance rides and home visits by doctors ensuring that no patient is left isolated.
Kapoor says cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Fiji and although genetics play a role, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, alcohol consumption, inactivity and smoking are significant contributors.
She says by making simple positive changes we can lower the risk and improve our health through regular exercise, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
