THE Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is urging Fijians, particularly women, to overcome the stigma surrounding cancer screening, warning that delays in detection can put lives at risk.
Church deputy General Secretary Reverend Dr Anil Reuben said cancer remained a sensitive issue for many families, with some patients only disclosing their condition when the disease had reached its final stages.
“Don’t be ashamed to go through the test so that it can be detected early,” Mr Reuben said.
“When it is detected early, it is curable, but when you are late, then your life is threatened.”
Mr Reuben, who has been involved in hospital visitation since 1976, said he had ministered to many cancer patients in Suva since 2003.
“Once I know the person has cancer, I don’t leave the person. Irrespective of what religion they are, I will tell them that I will journey with you until that door opens where you go to the other side.”
He said the church continued to support patients and their families through prayer, counselling and communion throughout their cancer journey.
Mr Reuben also commended the Ministry of Health and non-government organisations, including retired nurses, for visiting patients at home, providing support and maintaining regular contact with them.
He said the church discussed the welfare of sick members during its meetings and encouraged ministers, vakatawa and talatala to visit and support those affected.
Mr Reuben urged people who suspected something was wrong with their health not to delay seeking medical attention.
“You will not regret it. You will be able to say, I’m a cancer survivor.”
