The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar today hosted a morning tea in commemoration of Pinktober.
While speaking at the event, Minister Akbar said that the need to raise awareness around cancer stretches beyond October or Pinktober.
“A long-standing awareness campaign definitely means different things to different people. For some, it is about celebrating strength and survival,” Minister Akbar said.
Minister Akbar also encouraged breast cancer survivors to share their story as a means to help and support others in a similar situation.
"There are many remarkable women who have been featured or shared their stories in inspiring change for the better, demonstrating great strength in their fight against breast cancer. During this Pinktober, we always stress on the importance of the early detection of breast cancer more seriously. Many of them have experiences of breast cancer that have made an ideal advocate for a change in how it’s detected and treated".
Ms. Aqela Tuiwainunu, a 41 year old school teacher and a breast cancer survivor was present at the event and she shared her journey in battling breast cancer.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and got my operation in 2020. I was very lucky we found the cancer, have gone through four cycles of chemotherapy and recovered well. I am thankful to the Fiji Cancer Society and there was genuine concern and empathy from our doctors and nurses at CWM Hospital,” Ms Tuiwainunu said.
My message to women out there is to stay strong for your loved ones and not be discouraged. It is a struggle but you determine what you will take on. Most lumps are benign, but early detection of malignant lumps can be effectively treated right here in Fiji.”
Also present at the event was the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya, Assistant Minister for Women, Veena Bhatnagar, Permanent Secretary Jennifer Poole, President of the Fiji Cancer Society Makrava Wilson and women groups.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation also handed over $2,000.00 to the Fiji Cancer Society.