The Fiji Cancer Society has reported a concerning rise in late-stage cancer diagnoses, with 200 new cases recorded over the past nine months. Chief Executive Belinda Chan has highlighted that 60 percent of these cases were detected late, placing immense stress on the country’s healthcare system, which is already facing challenges.
The latest statistics reflect the variety of cancers impacting the Fijian population this year, with 61 cases of breast cancer, 25 cervical cancer cases, 24 endometrial cancers, 8 prostate cancers, and 6 ovarian cancer cases documented. Chan emphasized the urgent need for Fijians to understand the economic repercussions of delaying medical care. Many patients, she noted, often opt for alternative treatments or postpone seeking medical help until their conditions deteriorate, a phenomenon influenced by denial and misaligned expectations about the capabilities of medical professionals when diagnoses are delayed.
In response to the rising incidence of late diagnoses, Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa has urged the community to prioritize regular health screenings and timely medical consultations. He stressed that any abnormal changes in the body should prompt immediate medical attention.
The figures show a worrying trend: last year, a total of 373 new cancer cases were documented, a decrease from 470 in 2022, but officials remain adamant that education and community awareness are crucial to combating this public health crisis. Health authorities reiterate the importance of early detection and supportive interventions, as improved health awareness can significantly alter outcomes for those affected by cancer.
This situation underscores the collective responsibility within communities to foster health-oriented behaviors and proactive screening, creating a supportive environment that encourages early medical intervention. As these measures take effect, there is hope that Fijians can collectively change the narrative surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading to better health outcomes in the future.