The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today received a total of 140 prosthesis breasts from Breast Cancer Network Australia in efforts to raise awareness on breast cancer amongst women.
The Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Veena Bhatnagar received the donated items on behalf of the ministry and thanked Ms Heather Tait, one of the members of the Breast Cancer Network Australia who had initiated the donation for assisting women in Fiji.
The items were handed-over to the Women’s Wellness Centre based at Colonial War Memorial Hospital who would be distributing prosthesis breasts to women visiting the clinic.
The prosthesis breasts would be used by women who have had a mastectomy. The prosthesis breasts have been distributed to 30 women at the Wellness Centre so far.
“We need to be strong advocates for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Those who have received timely treatment and are enjoying the use of breast prosthesis, your own personal testimony would boost the morale of many women and assist others in taking advantage of the available service,” Hon Bhatnagar said.
The Minister added that in Fiji, breast cancer remains top two causes of cancer in females with a total of 179 cases in 2013.
“The high mortality rate is due to late detection and diagnosis since most women present to the clinic at a very late stage. I would like to reiterate my gratitude to Ms Heather Tait and her team for availing yourselves at your own cost to assist women in Fiji who would benefit by living dignified lives post-surgery.”