Cancer is not only in October, it is throughout the year, says Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan.
Ms Chan told this newspaper at the Decked Out Fiji Pinktober event in Nadi last week that support for people diagnosed with cancer should be continuous throughout the year.
“We want the public to know that it should not stop in October,” she said.
“That there should be continuous support throughout the year for people diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s not easy. We would run out, probably within eight months, and our numbers are increasing.”
Ms Chan said the society currently assists 700 patients across Fiji who have cancer “and they are in the need of things”.
“For instance, the CT scan machine in Labasa, they don’t have anyone to pay for CT scans, so we pay for them.
“So, everything we do is only applicable to cancer patients. We buy stuff like the oxygen concentrator that is to ease our bill with people at the Oceania Hospital but that is still not enough.
“Because there are people with other illnesses who also need the support but where we can, if we are in a position to help them, we will and if we can’t, we tell them that we can’t.”
Ms Chan said they needed support all year round to allow them to support their patients.
“Like I mentioned, it does not matter the financial or economic status, that packet of diaper makes a difference.
“And for us individuals, to just be there for them, hold their hands if we have to and provide them the support they need.”
