FOR breast cancer survivor Naomi Pareti, a small, hard, and painless lump beneath her breast was a warning sign she could not ignore.
Concerned that something was not right, she sought medical advice, visiting several doctors before receiving a diagnosis that would change her life.
The diagnosis was stage one breast cancer, but even at that early stage, the cancer was aggressive.
More than a year after undergoing surgery to remove her left breast, Ms Pareti is sharing her journey with a message for women across Fiji.
Awareness must be translated into action, and seeking help early could make a difference.
“So, they say cancer is only a little part of your story, not the whole chapter, and I’m grateful to be sharing mine today.”
For Ms Pareti, telling her story is about more than reflecting on her own experience. She hopes it will encourage other women, young girls and families to face breast cancer with greater awareness, courage and understanding.
The journey began when she discovered the lump beneath her breast. Although it was painless, she was concerned enough to seek several medical opinions rather than dismissing it.
Her consultations eventually led to the diagnosis and the need for treatment.
Receiving the news brought two immediate fears. Confronting cancer herself and finding a way to explain it to her children.
For a mother, the uncertainty surrounding treatment was accompanied by the challenge of helping her children understand what lay ahead.
When Ms Pareti learned she would need chemotherapy, her eldest daughter began researching the treatment online.
Her treatment began in March, shortly after her birthday. She underwent four cycles of chemotherapy before surgery on June 2, followed by another four cycles after the operation.
The months of treatment tested her physically and emotionally, but she continued to draw strength from her mindset and the people around her.
Family support was equally important as she navigated the experience.
“When you have a very good family support system, that’s just icing on the cake.”
By October, Ms Pareti was well enough to join other breast cancer survivors for the Pinktober walk, an experience she described as an opportunity to celebrate survival and encourage others to share their stories.
Her experience has also given her a deeper appreciation of the difference between reporting on cancer and living through it.
Ms Pareti had previously interviewed women who had undergone cancer surgery while hosting a television program. At the time, she listened to their experiences and gave them a platform to tell their stories.
But becoming a survivor herself brought a different perspective.
“I once did this, to have a chat with women who underwent cancer surgeries, the survivors. But when you’re a survivor yourself, it’s a different story.”
Since her diagnosis, she has made a conscious effort to speak openly about her journey with family, friends, workmates and members of the community.
She believes these conversations are important because fear, stigma and everyday responsibilities can prevent women from seeking medical attention.
While breast cancer awareness campaigns encourage women to recognise symptoms and seek help, Ms Pareti wants Fiji to take the next step by ensuring that awareness leads to action.
She acknowledges that women face practical challenges when considering a hospital visit.
“Some may be facing financial difficulties to take them to hospitals. Some may be facing other family problems. Some may be concerned about who’s going to look after their children,” she said.
“You know, these are the little things that we women worry about. We prioritise others before ourselves.”
For many women, the decision to seek help can also be complicated by the fear of how others might react.
“One common problem with us, especially iTaukei women, is what others think about us, is the fear of being ridiculed, the fear of being labelled.”
For those who feel anxious about going to a hospital or health centre alone, Ms Pareti encourages them to speak with someone they trust and seek support.
She also encourages women to reach out to the Fiji Cancer Society, which provided her with significant support during her treatment.
Today, Ms Pareti continues to take life one day at a time, grateful for the treatment she received and the support that helped her through it.
Breast cancer survivor Naomi Pareti. Picture: EMA FOSTER
