The Fiji Cancer Society has recorded 217 breast cancer cases from January to the lead-up to the Pink Walk, as Pinktober gets underway in Fiji.

The five-kilometre Pink Walk drew 270 participants in Suva and another 220 in Lautoka, bringing communities together to raise awareness of breast cancer and show support for those affected by the disease.

For Pink Walk participant Romulus Kolinio Toro, the event carried a personal meaning as he joined his family to support his sister-in-law, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

“I told them, you know, our Ma Mima is struggling through cancer and need to support her. She’s going through something hard. And so even though this walk is a little bit hard, we’re showing her that we can continue to walk and not give up” Toro highlighted.

Fiji Cancer Society Executive Board Member Inoke Bainimarama said the impact of cancer extends beyond the individual diagnosis, affecting families and those around them.

“Behind every diagnosis is also a family whose life changes. And that is why today’s walk matters” Bainimarama said.

The Society is also using Pinktober to encourage early detection, with Events and Fundraising Officer Joy Savou urging women to get checked as early as possible.

“One of our main themes as well is trying to get early detection, meaning all women are meant to get tested early as soon as possible because we don’t want them to leave it at a later stage and things get worse” Savou urged.

The Fiji Cancer Society is encouraging communities to continue the conversation around breast cancer throughout Pinktober, with early detection and timely medical attention remaining key messages of the campaign.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA