Breast cancer accounts for 41% of cancer diagnoses among Fijian women in 2017

To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, will host a Big Morning Tea on the 30th of this month to close the Pinktober Campaign.

While celebrating the International Day for Rural Women, Tabuya says today is a vital occasion established by the UN General Assembly to recognize the immense contributions of rural women to agricultural and rural development, food security, and the eradication of rural poverty.

She says their focus this year is on raising awareness on sexual and reproductive health cancers, particularly breast cancer, as part of the Pinktober Campaign.

She further says breast cancer is a significant health concern, and according to the Fiji Country Gender Assessment, it accounted for 41 percent of cancer diagnoses among Fijian women in 2017, making it a pressing issue we must address.

The Minister says her event on the 30th of this month is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer, promoting early detection and education.

She says these programs will focus on raising awareness on cancer, prevention measures, early detection, and available treatment options.

Tabuya adds by promoting knowledge about breast cancer prevention and early detection, they can help women advocate for health initiatives and drive positive change in their communities.

The Minister says rural women are the backbone of our rural communities, yet they often face unique challenges, particularly in accessing health care services.

She says breast cancer profoundly impacts the health and productivity of rural women, and many of them play critical roles in our agricultural sector and community life, and illness can diminish their ability to contribute to food production and economic stability.

Tabuya says barriers such as limited access to screenings and treatments hinder timely diagnoses, which can lead to poorer health outcomes.

The Minister also highlighted the issue of gender-based violence, which creates significant obstacles for rural women that often lead to physical and emotional trauma, which further compromises their health and well-being.

She says many women face isolation and fear of reporting abuse, which limits their access to necessary health services and support.

She further says the Ministry has in place a toll-free helpline, 1560, to provide support to victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and urges everyone to work together and break the silence on violence.