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The Fiji Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary organization dedicated to controlling cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer and providing support, through research, education, counseling, advocacy and service.” The Fiji Cancer Society is duly incorporated under the provisions of the Charitable Trusts Act, subject to the conditions and directions endorsed here on: Charitable Trusts Act (Cap.67) 27th August 1993 Registration No. 343”.
The Society is a non-profit organization, with only one salaried member of staff, attending to the office five days a week from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Board members, committee members, counselors visiting the hospitals and general helpers are all volunteers. The Society aims to bring about awareness in the workplace, schools and village communities.
The Fiji Cancer Society has summed up its work in six words:
Cervical and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer in Fiji. The Ministry of Health has identified over 68 different types of cancer in Fiji and the number of patients is increasing each year. Unfortunately many cancer patients present themselves at late stages, therefore the mortality rate is high.
Treatment provided for cancer patients in Fiji includes surgery, minimal chemotherapy and medication. There is no oncology centre and cancer patients are treated at Fiji's four major hospitals - Suva Private Hospital, Colonial War Memorial Hospital Suva, Lautoka Hospital and Labasa Hospital. As radiotherapy and other follow-up treatment for some cancers is not available locally, many people with cancer are seeking money for overseas treatment.
Often patients do not have any money for an ambulance to the nearest health centre or hospital, or for prescribed medication for their follow-up treatment. When diagnosed with cancer, patients from outer islands have to travel to the main island for treatment. They often have to stay with relatives or friends, living in a village as near to the hospital as possible, for months at a time. Cancer patients sometimes live in poor conditions, without a bed, indoor flush toilet or means of keeping cool. The Cancer Society endeavours wherever possible to fulfill the obligations of its Mission Statement, primarily through support, education, counseling, advocacy and service. A comprehensive list of the ways the Society is attempting to help the people of Fiji can be found under 'Services'.
nitushalini@gmail.com
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