Cancer affects Fijians every day of the year, not just in October, and this misconception is one of the biggest challenges facing the Fiji Cancer Society.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Fiji Cancer Society CEO Belinda Chan emphasized that everyone recognises October as the month for cancer awareness and assumes that is the only time cancer matters, but the reality is that cancer occurs 365 days a year, and people are affected all year round.
Chan says the organisation continues to see new patients and people seeking support daily, yet fundraising and community engagement drop significantly outside the designated awareness month.
She also highlighted the ongoing challenges of low public awareness and the stigma surrounding discussions on cancer, calling for open and honest conversations within families and communities.
INSERT: Chan on cancer 14th Jan
Chan explained that while the Fiji Cancer Society does not fund overseas medical treatment, it provides a range of critical support services, including counselling and reimbursements for passport and visa applications.
She says January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Society will offer pap smear tests on the 27th and 28th, after which teams will carry out corporate and in-house screenings.
She says cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that has the potential to be eliminated, and routine Pap smears and HPV testing save lives.
Chan says that organisations can contact the Society to arrange workplace screenings.
She is urging people to take responsibility for their health by understanding their bodies, recognising what is normal, and seeking medical advice early if something feels wrong.
