You are not alone.
This is message from the staff members of Divine Fijians Home Care (DFHC) for women in Fiji battling cancer.
As October comes to an end, the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness by the Fiji Cancer Society (FCS), the administrative staff donated to the cause.
In fact, breast cancer is growing health issue for women in Fiji, where most cases are diagnosed at late stages.
“As caregivers, our role is to care for people going through some health crisis, and we see the toll it takes on our clients,” said DFHC chief executive officer, Poasa Koroitamana.
“We see first-hand the pain, trauma and even moments of despair. We wish for a much-improved life, an intervention that can change everything for the better.
“That’s why we are making this donation.”
The donation was handed over to FCS by a representative of DFHC’s sister company, Divine American Group PTE Limited in Fiji.
Statistics show there were 2,517 diagnoses between 2013 and 2022, where most cases were diagnosed at late stages, making treatment very difficult.
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.
Cultural beliefs and limited healthcare access are barriers to getting women screened and properly treated, said FCS.
“These women are our mothers, sisters, aunties, best friends, and mentors,” said Mr. Koroitamana.
“This marks the beginning of our long-term commitment to supporting them.”
