Fiji has the highest cancer mortality rate, according to surgeon Losalini Tabakei.
Dr Tabakei said the country’s mortality rate was higher at 40 per cent, whereas New Zealand’s was 15.5 per cent.
“Like according to the 2022 global cancer observatory statistics, Fiji had diagnosed about 1601 new cancer patient, half of this had died,” she said.
While speaking at the celebration for Pinktober at the Labasa Hospital yesterday, she said, the leading cause of cancer in Fiji was breast.
“The prominent cause of cancer amongst female is cancer followed by cervical. If we combined the stats for both sexes, breast is still the leading cause of cancer. ”
She said the main cause of the high mortality in the country was the public’s persistent of early checkups.
“We can only educate on cancer, but the key is whether they will put into actions some of the things taught to them.”
She said most people presenting themselves for cancer were in the last stage.
