TIME is a valuable asset and early cancer detection can improve treatment outcomes, says Miss Labasa Divisional Hospital Isabella Raidriwa.
While speaking at the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North, Ms Raidriwa said cancer remained a growing concern in the North.
She said the pathology department at Labasa Hospital recorded 179 cancer cases in 2025.
From January to June this year, she said 62 cases had been reported.
While the figure may appear lower than last year’s total, Ms Raidriwa said more cases were expected to be recorded in the coming months.
“You must be thinking that this is less. However, we are expecting more cases over the next two months. This is during the month of Pinktober and Movember,” she said.
Ms Raidriwa said early detection and screening could help improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
She urged members of the public, particularly young people, to make use of the cancer screening tools and programs available.
“I want to encourage everyone here, especially the youth, to come and make use of the cancer screening tools and programs that are available.”
She said early detection could give patients a better chance of receiving treatment in time.
“I believe early detection can help treat cancer.”
She said people should take advantage of the available screening programs and make their health a priority.
