An increasing number of young girls, some just out of high school, are being diagnosed with cancer and many are only seeking help when it is too late for a cure and we want to save them before it reaches an incurable stage.
This was highlighted by Fiji Cancer Society's Alumita Bera to fijivillage News who says breast and cervical cancer are the most common among women in Fiji, while prostate and liver cancer affect men the most.
Bera says that their youngest breast cancer patient is only 17 years old.
She says there is also an increase in colorectal and oral cancers.
She adds the major risk factors include lifestyle choices, diet, pollution, smoking and genetic predisposition.
Bera further says many cases go undetected for too long because early cancer symptoms, such as lumps, are painless, leading to late diagnosis.
Bera says the Fiji Cancer Society registered 19 new cancer cases in January and 27 in February, not counting those diagnosed at private hospitals.
She adds that these numbers are alarming and reflect only a portion of actual cases.
When asked how their organisation is combating late detection, Bera says the society is actively conducting awareness campaigns and screening programs across the country, partnering with corporate bodies, faith-based organisations and community groups.
She says they are also looking to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Education to reach out to younger people.
Bera says funding remains a major challenge.
She says despite generous donations from corporate sponsors like Kontiki, New World and Motibhai, more resources are needed to expand outreach programs.
She urges people to prioritise early screening, saying, the earlier you come, the more they can do for you and adds cancer will not hurt until it is too late.
