THE Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) spent $124,390 to cater for its services and programs last year.
FCS chief executive officer Belinda Chan said last year’s morning tea initiatives raised $60,000, a marked increase of participation with over 17 corporate, private, and community organisations taking part in raising awareness.
“Funds raised last year were spent on patient support/care — $14,500, patient transport — $80,270, survivors program — $800, screening — $10,120, diagnostic equipment — $14,500 and support oncology unit $4200,” Ms Chan said.
“Every year, the society through the months of August and September gears up for its signature awareness and fundraising campaign for Pinktober and Movember (October and November).
“Our events calendar for the two months at the moment is filling-up fast as our partners, stakeholders, sponsors and even private business organisations are joining us for the first time, coming on board to help and assist us yet again, in the fight against cancer.”
She said universally, October or Pinktober was “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and the official colour for breast cancer was pink.
“But the Fiji Cancer Society decided last year, that for us here in Fiji — Pinktober will be women cancer awareness month, placing the spotlight or to highlight all cancers affecting only women, mainly cervical cancer which is on the rise in women in Fiji.
“We’ve retained the colour ‘pink’ which is synonymous with the fairer sex,” she said.
“November or ‘Movember’ is prostate cancer awareness month and the official colour for prostate cancer is sky blue.
“The FCS decided, that for us here in Fiji that ‘Movember’ will be ‘men cancer awareness month’ to highlight the male reproductive cancers such as prostate, penile and testicular cancers.
“Cancers that are gender-biased and affects only men, but also highlighting other cancers like colorectal cancer (not gender biased), which by the way, is on the rise in men in Fiji.”
She said the colour sky blue was retained because prostate cancer was the only cancer that affected only men.
