Fiji Cancer Society says it has a backlog of cases and needs funding support to clear these surgeries.
Chief executive officer Belinda Chen said they were working with the team that was doing the surgery.
“Yes, we need funding support to clear backlog surgeries,” Ms Chen said.
“For breast cancer cases as well as gynae cases.
“It’s sad and disheartening that it is happening. It’s something that we need to do to take care of our women out there to ensure that they have better outcomes, but at the same time they were aware that they were not alone.
“We work closely with the team that is doing the surgery. They give us an estimate.
“Sometimes they do two surgeries and sometimes just one because they don’t have the time to do the second one because of the complications.
She said they were getting support from the community, however, there was a need to change the mindset of people.
“The society asked for support during our key events such as Pinktober, Movember, Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea.
“However, we need to reiterate to people that you can raise funds more than once. Funds from that will help support our patients.
“The continuing support that you provide have eased backlogging surgeries.
“You can host a morning tea. It doesn’t have to be a corporate organisation, it doesn’t have to be a business or work place.
“You with your group can host a cup of tea and talk about this because this is something that is killing us.”
Ms Chan said tea event could be an opportunity for people to talk about cancer.
“Our silence is definitely killing us, so the more we talk, the better it is. Use the tea as an opportunity to talk about cancer.
“You can talk about your experiences and through this you’ll raise your own awareness.”
