Cancer patients in Fiji currently lack access to radiotherapy treatment, which means they must travel abroad for such care. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu made this statement in Parliament on Thursday, citing a rise in cancer diagnoses across the nation.
Dr. Lalabalavu remarked, “The increase in cancer cases in Fiji is concerning and affects all segments of the population.” He pointed out that cancer impacts individuals of all ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds, and is one of the leading contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that result in both illness and death.
He outlined that existing cancer management strategies encompass a range of approaches from prevention and vaccination to early diagnosis, treatment, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and chronic pain management. While many of these services are available in Fiji’s healthcare facilities, radiotherapy remains unavailable locally.
Patients in need of radiotherapy will need to seek treatment overseas, as local options are not currently in place.