Honouring loved ones
THE month dedicated to honouring our loved ones who have one way or the other battled the deadly cancer sickness is nearly over. National awareness campaigns were held in major parts of the country with a bid to let people know of the importance of getting an early check-up just so they could be aware of their health status.
By now, people should be well aware of their health status as the whole of this month was dedicated entirely to sending the message out and to make sure no one was left behind.
Medical professionals, survivors and family members who lost their loved ones to cancer shared stories of courage with hopes of inspiring others to get checked.
Last week, CWM Hospital oncologist Dr Enoch Waqanibaravi outlined the need for medical officers to be like marketing agents and entice women to present themselves for breast screening.
He said it was important for medical staff members to encourage women to conduct self-examination because of the prevalence of the disease.
“Most patients refuse treatment because they are probably
too scared or they may have met the wrong person who was not encouraging,” said Dr Waqanibaravi during a Pinktober event at the Nakasi Health Centre last Friday.
“We do not advise you to exam your breast every day, but to have a monthly breast examination at any health centre.
“If you examine your breast every day, things that are abnormal will appear normal.
“Anytime you feel a lump you have to see a doctor as soon as possible.
“Remember time is of the essence in the treatment of breast cancer because it spreads very fast.”
Dr Waqanibaravi urged women to seek medical assistance and not traditional healers.
“If you have a wound that is discharging - we can clear the wound, we can do a tailored discectomy to prevent foul odour and also provide for ease of nursing care.
“We could also give you some tablets that could slow the disease progression. But that will not change the number of years you have to live.”
We have witnessed the pains family members go through when they lose their loved ones to cancer.
Medical professionals have even shared that most cancer cases Fiji were presented late which led to serious cases and even death.
These messages should be a wake-up call for each and every Fijian.
We need to inspire each other and encourage our loved ones to go for a check-up if they haven’t done so.
Let us all make a change and do the right thing for the benefit of our nation as a whole.
Most patients refuse treatment because they are probably too scared or they may have met the wrong person who was not encouraging ~ Dr Enoch Waqanibaravi