Cancer patients in Fiji often face significant obstacles in accessing necessary medications, as noted by Belinda Chan, the chief executive officer of the Fiji Cancer Society. Chan reported that there are instances when essential medicines are either unavailable or not included in the prescribed drug list, leaving patients in challenging circumstances.
To address these issues, the Fiji Cancer Society has stepped in to assist patients, financially covering medication costs and other fundamental needs. Over the past four years, the organization has dedicated more than $675,000 to patient support services, which include transportation to treatment and alleviating medication costs. In addition to financial assistance, the society also provides essential items like diapers and food, as well as emotional support for families caring for their loved ones battling cancer.
Chan highlighted that the organization has spent nearly $260,000 on critical diagnostic tests, chemotherapy drugs, and the clearing of surgical backlogs in Suva, where surgical theater availability has been limited. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu acknowledged these challenges, admitting that there are delays in surgeries due to the operation capacity of surgical theaters. He added that the ministry has been outsourcing surgeries to the private sector as a temporary solution to continue treating cancer patients.
Despite the obstacles, Chan emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Fiji Cancer Society’s outreach team, which has traveled over 200,000 kilometers in the past four years to promote awareness and offer screening services. They have conducted 281 cancer awareness programs nationwide, reaching over 13,200 individuals, including 2,629 women who received breast cancer examinations. Out of these, 118 women with abnormal results were referred for further testing and treatment—each referral embodying hope for those diagnosed.
Moreover, to combat rising cancer rates and promote early detection, women aged 30 to 59 in Northern Fiji are encouraged to participate in the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-swabbing cervical cancer screening program, which offers quick results and immediate treatment if necessary. This approach is considered less invasive and more user-friendly than traditional screenings, highlighting the importance of early detection as a critical tool against cancer.
The pressing need for educational outreach and awareness campaigns has been echoed by health officials, as Dr. Ane Veu and other health professionals have pointed out the increasing rates of cancer diagnoses among both men and women. Government efforts are being made to improve treatment options and enhance early detection, especially in rural communities where resources are often lacking.
As the Fiji Cancer Society and health authorities continue their commitment to these vital initiatives, there remains a hopeful outlook for improved health outcomes for those affected by cancer in Fiji. Community support, education, and proactive measures are key in fostering a healthier environment, ultimately leading to a brighter future for individuals battling this disease.
Leave a comment