At least 10 women in Bua die of cervical cancer due to lack of early treatment – Bua Medical Officer

The women of Bua have been asked to seriously watch out for the country’s killer cancers – cervical and breast cancer – in their Province as at least nine to ten women have died of cervical cancer in Bua, simply because they did not receive an early treatment at the hospital.

Sub Divisional Medical Officer Bua, Doctor Alusio Yacalagilagi while speaking at the Fiji Pine Group-sponsored medical outreach in Dama, told at least 250 women that cancer has become a killer too in Bua in recent times.

He warned the women and men that they have a responsibility to watch out for the disease.

The Medical Officer revealed that another nine are now under palliative care and have missed out on early treatment.

Dr Yacalagilagi called on the women to examine their breasts weekly at home and go to the hospital if they find signs that needed to be immediately clinically investigated.

The women were asked to stand up in the community hall and taught how the breast examination should be conducted.

He also provided a comprehensive consultation on cervical cancer and how to see early signs.

The team also conducted comprehensive awareness sessions covering women’s health, child health, non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, and drug awareness prior to starting their clinical sessions.

Fiji Pine Group’s Industrial Nurse (IN) Mereilisoni Taukena, says there were 152 breast examination and 20 Pap Smears in Dama. At least three women could not do it.

There were 276 outpatient consultations, 50 dental extractions and 25 referrals for further consultation in Nabouwalu, 143 women referred for diet advice and physiotherapy, and 25 children attended the children’s clinic, who included three newly-born babies.

She noted that there were 23 special high-risk cases who would require a lot of clinic visits and medication.

Tikina o Dama villagers will continue to receive routine check-up to be helped by their Turaga ni Koro and Nasi ni Koro.

Fiji Pine Group’s medical outreach programme received strong support from the Buli Dama, Tikina elders, Director Bua/Macuata, and the FPL Bua Team.

Dr. Yacalagilagi voiced his gratitude for the Group’s initiative towards the Women's Health Programme and has requested the company to support a second outreach in Kubulau District.