More than 1400 Fijians are diagnosed with cancer every year, and early diagnosis and treatment is key to managing the disease, says Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.

He said this at the launch of the Bushells Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea – the biggest fundraiser for cancer, held at the Motibhai Group headquarters in Walu Bay this morning.

Dr Lalabalavu said the most common types of cancer for men are Prostate, Liver, Colorectal, Lung cancers and Leukemia for males, and Breast, Cervix, Uterus, Ovarian and Thyroid cancers for females.

The event marked the 19^th edition of the Motibhai Group Limited’s support of what is widely regarded as the biggest calendar event in terms of cancer fundraisers.

Dr Lalabalavu said for breast cancer, early diagnosis was crucial.

He said self-examination was important in picking up early signs of the disease. Symptoms such as:

–           an abnormal painless lump or thickening in the breast;

–           an alteration in size, shape or appearance of a breast;

–           dimpling, redness, pitting or other alteration in the skin;

–           a change in nipple appearance or alteration in the skin surrounding the nipple, or a nipple discharge should be checked with a doctor to rule out cancer