Former rugby players are taking the fight against prostate cancer beyond the field, carrying awareness and testing opportunities to villages, churches, and workplaces across Fiji.
Suva Golden Oldies Rugby Club member Salesi Koroi said the club had been carrying out prostate cancer awareness since 2013, working alongside Pacific Laboratory Specialists, the Fiji Cancer Society and other health providers.
Mr Koroi, who is also a church pastor, said the initiative was driven by former rugby representatives who wanted to continue giving back to their communities after retiring from the sport.
He said the program was also a way of honouring former members who had laid the foundation for the initiative.
“We decided a few years back to raise funds for our friends, our brothers who are suffering from prostate cancer,” he said.
The club has taken its awareness work into communities in the Central and Western divisions, including visits to workplaces.
During these sessions, men are encouraged to understand the disease, undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
“The team also collected details from participants and referred those requiring further assessment to medical professionals.”
He stressed that the club’s role was to connect communities with reliable health information and encourage men to take responsibility for their wellbeing.
Mr Koroi said the awareness program depended heavily on financial contributions from donor organisations and encouraged more groups to support the initiative.
He urged men not to miss opportunities to learn about their health and seek testing.
“When you see the team from the Suva Golden Oldies Rugby Club in your community, take advantage of the opportunity.”
