Staff members of Divine Fijians Home Care (DFHC) in Santa Rosa, California came together today to support a cause close to heart.
Breast cancer is growing health issue for women in Fiji, where most cases are diagnosed at late stages.
The Fiji Cancer Society dedicates the month of October to fighting and raising awareness about the disease. Cultural beliefs and limited healthcare access are barriers to getting women screened and properly treated.
Statistics show there were 2,517 diagnoses between 2013 and 2022, where most cases were diagnosed at late stages, making treatment very difficult.
“We are caregivers, and we know what it is like when someone is battling it,” said DFHC chief executive officer, Poasa Koroitamana.
“Everyone here has felt the pain of losing someone to breast cancer. It is like a thief that not only steals but destroys everything.”
Over 80 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women over 50 years of age, placing them at high risk, according to the National Institute of Health.
“These women are our mothers, sisters, aunties, best friends, and mentor,” said Mr Koroitamana.
“This is a start. Support is coming.”
Dressed in pink, the staff’s contribution will be handed over to the Society next week.
“We will continue to organize programs like this, bringing together all Fijian caregiving agencies to support this fight, he said.
“You are not alone.”
