Cervical cancer is the third largest cause of deaths in Fiji

Fiji receives approximately 161 new cases of cervical cancer every year with an estimated incidence of 37.8% out of 1,000 women.

The Health Ministry says cancer is the third leading cause of deaths in Fiji, accounting to almost 10% of all deaths.

Minister Jone Usamate says cervical cancer poses an enormous burden on our women, the community and the country.

However the ministry in collaboration with AUSAID, UNFPA, Fiji Nursing Association, New South Wales Family Planning Association and the University of New South Wales has piloted a less resource intensive program through a cervix staining method.

Usamate says Pacific Gynecologists are trained to be competent in detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.

He says Fiji has also implemented HPV Vaccination for all Year 8 girls.