FIJI

CANCER SOCIETY

THE
Quartely
Lifeline
Official Newsletter of Fiji Cancer Society

I AM I WILL
2019 marks the launch of the 3 year theme ‘I am..and I
will..’ campaign .

‘I am.. and I will..’ is an empowering call to action urging

for personal Commitment.
FIRST QUARTELY EVENT 2019
Represents the power individual action taken now to
1 DRAGON BOATING impact the future.

Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the

2 FDB HEALTH &WELLNESS impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love and
WEEK LAUNCHING for the world.

HEALTH WALK FOR CANCER Its time to make a personal commitment!

3

4 WORLD CANCER DAY Our very own Champs

OUTREACH
CORPORATE AWARENESS
5
& SCREENING

6 FCS OPEN DAY

GENERAL CANCER
7 EDUCATION WORKSHOP

8 FCS AGM

Dolly Devi with friends in Canada
DRAGON
BOATING
Dragon Boating with Miss Dolly Devi, a
breast cancer survivor residing in
Canada. She did a presentation on
Dragon boating to be introduced in Fiji
with the launching on October 1 st this
year.

Dolly Devi who is a Fijian born of Indian

descent is a breast cancer survivor and
the whole experience has inspired her to
be an advocate for breast cancer
awareness and dragon boating.

She has witnessed first-hand how Dragon

Boating continually supports the rehabilitation
of women who have suffered both mentally
and physically with this illness. To this day
she's amazed at the resilience and power
her body has despite going through
immense treatment.

Along with her fellow breast cancer survivors

row along and also realizing their capabilities
brings hope and promotes unity.

1
FIJI DEVELOPMENT
BANK HEALTH & WELLNESS
LAUNCHING
The FDB’s Corporate Wellness Program
was an initiative organized by the bank,
showing their commitment to their staff’s
health and wellness. It was also at this
event that the bank’s CEO made their
collective commitment towards the I Am
and I Will campaign.

The day’s program was successful where

the Chief Guest Dr Isimeli Tukana’s
speech entailed the importance of
eating healthy to

combat cancer as it is a Non - Communi-

cable disease (NCD). All members of the Staffs and management of FDB and stakeholders with Dr. Isimeli Tukana
stakeholders were present and readily
available to provide more information to
the staff on the services that each
uniquely provided. FDB Suva office has
about 180 staff altogether, of this number
38 of the women were screened with 30
examined for Breast and 13 for VIA .

2
 Oncology staff of CWM along, FCS staffs with families and late Cancer patient Lote Matetini

HEALTH WALK FOR CANCER

Partnerships is what makes things happen and we
are indeed grateful and appreciative to our Stakeholders
that have come on board with us this year, to
launch the World Cancer Day three years campaign
of I AM and I WILL. This theme is an empowering
call-to-action urging for personal commitment
and represents the power of individual action
Rasovo family at the Health walk
taken now to impact the future. The day started
with Registrations of all participants and a Warm
Up Zumba session with Paula. After which the 5km
Walk commenced from the My Suva Park, along
the Queen Elizabeth Drive, to the China Club and
back.

Participants at the walk had access to Free Awareness

Zumba session
materials on Cancer from the Society and WOWS
Kids Fiji. Free dental packs from Colgate Palmolive
and Free information packs from FDB and Fiji Albi-
nism Project.

Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission staffs

showing their full support in the fight against Cancer
3
 OUTREACH

World Cancer Day is where the

entire world unites in the fight
against the global cancer
epidemic. A day given where
individuals, policy makers and outside
health professionals come Lami along
together to share ideas, increase with our
more awareness and encourage stakeholders.
the importance of Early Detection. More than 200
people took advantage
World Cancer Day provides a of the opportunity and
powerful platform to help
underwent free breast
strengthen the action already
checkups and pap smear
being taken and new ones to be
tests for women. In partnership
taken into action to lessen the

I
burden of cancer. World Cancer with VanMed labs, they were able
Day takes place every year on to conduct free prostate screening

AM and
the 4th of February. for men.

This year, Fiji Cancer Society

marked World Cancer Day by

WILL
providing free screening for the
people of Muaivuso

4
 WORLD CANCER DAY
WESTERN GROUP
The Western Support group marked World Cancer Day where the
group organized a remembrance walk in Lautoka.

The walk made two laps from the ends of the marine drive stretch
which was led by the Men's Health team. Candles were lit at
sundown and flowers swept in the water to remember our loved
ones. Number of survivors were also there to take part and share their
journey.

Candle lighting to honor those who

have passed on

CORPORATE AWARENESS
& SCREENING
The Fiji Cancer Society have already started with corporate screening
to those who have kindly requested. In partnership with the Reproductive
Family Health Association Fiji, we are able to provide free screening
for women and VanMed labs by providing free screening for men
age 45 and above.

So far we have attended to 9 organization for awareness talk and

free screening.

Corporates awareness & screening

Fiji Development Bank(Suva, Nausori, Northern- Nabouwalu, Labasa,
Seaqaqa, Savusavu)
Kontiki Finance Limited
RFMF (Suva Headquarters & Black Rock Training Camp)
Fiji Navy
SPC (Suva & Narere)
Bureau of Statistics

Western Corporate Awareness

Fiji Water
Land Transport Authority
Punja's & Sons Corporate 5
 FIJI CANCER SOCIETY
OPEN DAY

The S
oc
at 2/3 iety held
33 Wa its
iman first Open
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d, Suv day for 20
a. 19 on
th e 2nd
of Ma
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the
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ha ay.
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We had a at no co
ices tha t w ere available
serv

These se
rvices inc
Free Bre luded Fre
ast and
nutritiona Cervica e Testing for Pros
l advice l scre tate Can
from the enings for the w cer (for th
e men),
Adventis o
t Wellne men and Free
ss team.

Prostate Cancer and the VanMed Lab team

Each Stakeholder was allocated an information
booth where they could set up their IEC (Information,
Education, Communication) materials and talk
about the services that they offered. We had the
Adventist Wellness team, the Fiji Albinism team,
SGORC members conducting Awareness talks on
doing the blood test as well as Sr. Karolina Tamani
from the RFHAF clinic conducting the Breast and
Cervical screenings for the women. The Public
Trustees office had also taken advantage of this
opportunity and came down with their information
brochures too for distribution to the community.

6
 WORKSHOPS
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Workshop

The Society with the partnership of

the Reproductive & Family Health
Association of Fiji organized an
In-House workshop to train and equip
our volunteers that will be conducting
Awareness talks and presentations on
behalf of the society.

Participants of the workshop included

the student volunteers, Society staff
and volunteers. The half day work-
shop was conducted by Sr. Karolina
Tamani with her immense experience
in public speaking and vast knowledge
of the topic.

The
second
workshop
was held on
Saturday 23rd
March at the CWM Dr. Ane Veu talks
Hospital - Operating on breast cancer
Theatre Lecture Room in Fiji
Dr. Nanise Sikiti discussing where we were fortune toto
fortunate
on the causes of Cervical have clinicians discuss on cancer
Cancer.
to different stakeholders, board
members, staff of Fiji Cancer
Society, Volunteers and
Cancer survivors.
Dr. Enoch Baravi highlighting
key points on Prostate
Cancer

Guest
Speakers
Dr. Ane Veu - Consultant Physician, Medical Oncology Unit, CWM Hospital.
Dr. Enoch Baravi - Urology Registrar, Urology unit, CWM Hospital
Dr. Nanise Sikiti - CMO Specialist Obstetrics & Gynae , CWM Hospital.
7
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The Society held its AGM on 30th Fiji Cancer Society Staff and Board Members
March of this year at the Defence Election of Office Bearers Board Members
club. The AGM elected its new Executive Board Members - Mr. Inoke Bainimarama
board members and the new elected - Ms Natasha Ah Sam
President - Mr. Makrava Wilson - Mrs Josephine Oyagawa
President. Fiji Cancer Society President
Vice President - Mr Jinesh Patel - Mr. Atonio Takala
Mr. Phillip Low has stepped down Secretary - Mrs. Releshni Karan - Mr. Pacolo Luveni
from his post for the past 4 years as Treasurer - Mrs. Samantha Kenny - Mrs. Margaret Rounds
Acting Chair and President. - Mrs Margaret Erbsleben
- Ms. Nirmala Nambiar
- Mrs. Milika Marshall
8
Message

I Y
IJ
ET
CI
SO
ER
F
NC
CA
Mr. Makrava Wilson
Fiji Cancer Society
President & Chairman

As a newly elected President of the Fiji Cancer
Society , I am indeed humbled and privileged
to be appointed understanding as well the
challenge, the tasks and requirements of the
position. I respectfully acknowledge the past
leadership and look forward to working with
and the suppor of the existing and new experienced
board members, the CEO and team FCS. The
rising cancer cases in Fiji is very alarming
indeed understanding that Cancer is the third
leading cause of death behind Cardion -
vascular diseases and Diabates. A preliminary
study on Cancer in Fiji reports that it is already
responsible for 10% of deaths in Fiji, and well
over 1600 new cases are recorded annually
and steadily increasing. Our challenge is to
continue to support the MOH and relevant
stakeholders reduce these numbers by
increased and vigorous awareness , encourage
screenings, and provide timely treatment and
counselling.
Given the high incidence and destructive
nature of breast cancer or any cancer for
that matter, my message to those journeying
with Cancer or just been diagnosed with
Cancer is that :
No one fights alone. We are here for you!
The very reason for our existence at the Society
- is because of this feeling we call HOPE!
HOPE we instill and share with you our cancer
patients and survivors alike !
HOPE to face another day
And HOPE that one day, a cure will be found.
I AM an advocate for Cancer
I WILL pledge to provide assistance to the best
of my ability.
EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT IS CRUCIAL
TO SAVING LIVES!
Thank you all for your continuous support in
our fight against Cancer.

9

IJ
F
CA
Mr. Phillip Low
Former President of the Fiji Cancer Society
Early detection is the key to a Cancer free Fiji
and we as public should work alongside the
Society in creating awareness and breaking
the stigma of Cancer. Help others by educat-
ing them and encourage each other for regu-
lar checks. Cancer does affect everyone
regardless of your gender, race, age and your
religious beliefs.
To the new President and Chair of FCS, Makrava
Wilson - You are a true Gentlemen and friend,
who I have had the pleasure work alongside
on the board over the past couple of years,
You are the right man for the job and your
passion for fighting Cancer is unmatched, you
have a fantastic board and I wish you all the
best in what I believe will be the new era for
the Fiji Cancer Society under your leadership.
Our biggest supporters and advocates, I
thank you all for your faith and your continued
support.
I am always and have always been a strong
and passionate advocate in the fight against
Cancer.
I will continue my advocacy through educating
my family and friends , and my peers.
Message
I Y
ET
CI
SO
ER
NC
A journey of challenges, laughter, love ,
sadness with many wins along the way. The
Society has little to no functionality, direction
and management but it was poised for better
days ahead, given that one was prepared to
put in the hard work, commitment and have
the absolute will to succeed and make the
Society a success.
The main challenge that we initially faced was
in 2015 where we had a credibility issue and
mistrust of the Society after it was closed in
Ocotber 2013. As a disciplined board, we
then worked out the direction we were going
to take our main functionality as a Society, our
stance on where we wanted to be positioned
as a Society for the people of Fiji providing
adequate services, awareness and proper
funding.
I would like to convey a message of gratitude
to all the survivors who have inspired me over
the years. Their love, encouragement and
their strength. A special mention to those that
have gone too soon, I wish we could've done
more for you to carry on fighting.
10
 EXECUTIVE
2019 BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Makrava Wilson Mr Jinesh Patel Mrs. Samantha Kenny Mrs. Releshni Karan
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

BOARD
2019 MEMBERS
Mr. Inoke Mrs. Margaret Ms Natasha Ah Sam Mrs Margaret
Bainimarama Rounds Erbsleben

Mrs Josephine Ms. Nirmala Mr. Atonio Takala Mrs. Milika Marshall
Oyagawa Nambiar

Mr. Pacolo Luveni

No
One
Fights
Alone