The earlier people come to get their breast examined, the faster they can be treated and there are more chances for successful treatment and survival.
This has been highlighted by Fiji Cancer Society nurse and Project Facilitator, Alumita Bera, while speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan.
Bera says the youngest breast cancer patient registered with the Society is 16 years old.
She says girls and women are often too shy to attend medical centres for an examination, which is why they are being taught self-breast examinations and encouraged to come forward as soon as they detect a lump, even if it is as small as a lemon seed.
Bera says while some people are aware, they are too scared to seek help due to the fear that a cancer diagnosis could feel like a death sentence.
She adds they are working with survivors to share their stories, encouraging more people to get tested.
