(Photo file)

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive Belinda Chan points out that most cervical and breast cancer patients are in their prime working age, typically in their 30s, 40s and 60s.

Chan says the three pillars of risk prevention require 90 percent of schoolgirls to be vaccinated against HPV, 70 percent of women to be tested through self-swabs, and 90 percent access to palliative care.

“There really isn’t a national program like that, so the hope is that once there is a program — an established national program — maybe a year from now, then we’ll be able to tell you how long it will take us to work to eliminate global.”

Belinda Chan, chief executive of the Fiji Cancer Society (File photo)

According to Chan, 2030 is the target, although it may take longer.

Chan says a healthy diet and exercise are key risk prevention measures, with a primary focus on smoking and alcohol as the main risk factors.

She points out that women in their early working years, typically in their 30s and 40s, are most at risk.

“Right now, we’re seeing that there’s a gap — a huge gap — in terms of hospice care, palliative care for patients.”

Hospice care focuses on pain relief for those nearing the end of life, while palliative care provides pain relief to all patients, whether suffering from a curable or incurable illness, along with support for their families.

The Cancer Society of Fiji has so far supported over 332 patients in the Sigatoka-Tavua area.