Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue for women in the Northern Division of Fiji, with Labasa Hospital reporting 19 new cases last year, including one patient as young as 28. Health experts assert that many fatalities can be averted through effective early detection and timely intervention, although significant challenges persist, especially for women in rural areas and those who are working.
Dr. Saiasi Caginidaveta, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Labasa Hospital, notes the critical concern of late presentations to healthcare facilities, which severely restrict treatment options. “If the disease is beyond us, then the only thing we’re going to offer is palliative care. But we all know that this cancer is preventable. How? Through HPV vaccination,” he stated.
Furthermore, mental health support for patients is crucial, as emphasized by Dr. Caginidaveta, who calls for a comprehensive support network for women in the Northern Division. Dr. Tiko Saumalua, the Divisional Medical Officer for the North, also encourages community involvement in addressing women’s cancers, emphasizing a collective responsibility to combat the disease.
Cancer survivor and former nursing teacher Sereima Lalibuli shared her journey, highlighting the importance of early detection. She provided practical tips for self-examination, illustrating how women can take proactive measures to monitor their own health. “Every now and then, when you take off your top and you have a bra, do it in front of the mirror… that is abnormal. That’s what happened to me,” she remarked.
This year’s theme, “Early Detection Saves Lives,” echoes ongoing efforts to raise awareness around cervical cancer, focusing on improved screening protocols and HPV vaccinations. While obstacles remain, innovative approaches like HPV self-testing promise to increase access for women hesitant to participate in traditional screenings. These initiatives align with previously established programs by the Fiji Cancer Society, including a free cancer screening initiative designed to promote education and encourage more women to engage in health screenings.
The rising incidence of cervical cancer cases mirrors a broader trend across Fiji, where various cancers are becoming increasingly prevalent, leaving families and communities in distress. Health professionals stress the necessity of empowering women to pursue timely medical care, as early detection markedly improves treatment success rates.
Nonetheless, there is a sense of hope as healthcare professionals, community leaders, and survivors come together to enhance health outcomes for women in Fiji. By cultivating a culture of awareness and proactive health management, there is optimism that early detection will become commonplace, potentially preventing a multitude of lives from the severe repercussions of cervical cancer.