By Mary Lyn Fonua

A cancer survivor, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, Tonga’s Director of Health, today shared his own story of personal illness, while recognizing a “big gap” in the cancer survival rates between Tonga and the developed world.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Tonga after cardio vascular diseases, both part of the non-communicable diseases, which are causing high mortality and a high burden of illness on the nation.

He applauded the work done by the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. in not only raising awareness but also focusing on the safety and quality of care for the Tongan people.

Dr ‘Akau‘ola, the keynote speaker at the launch of “Pink October 2016” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Tonga, said that because we are in Tonga with limited resources it does not mean that we cannot have safety and quality of care, and the society is playing a key role in advocating for better care, he said.

“I myself, as a CEO of Health, am a cancer survivor. Not breast cancer, but other forms of cancer. I want to share my story in this forum as an encouragement for people. When I went for own treatment, I suddenly saw the gap…between what we have here in Tonga and what is offered overseas, and that is something that this society doing something about,” he said.

High mortality, high burden

A key finding about cancer, Dr ‘Akau’ola said, “is that in the survival rates from cancer there is a big gap between the developing countries and the developed countries.  I think we all know this, but it doesn’t mean that we in the developing countries will remain where we are - suffering from the high mortality and high burden of disability caused by this illness.”

“Overseas where I had my treatment I saw that it was just another type of illness just like every other type of illness that is processed there.”

Dr ‘Akau’ola said that while we all know we are going to die some day “It’s just the speed with which we move toward that goal…and we do not want to run toward that goal. It’s good to take a leisurely pace…and enjoy life.”

“At the end of the day you want to reduce the number of people who die from breast cancer and to improve the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer,” he said.

For the last nine years the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. as a health advocacy group has been promoting patients’ health and care as a basic human right and enhancing community health with activities.

See a doctor

Another Breast Cancer Survivor, Mrs ‘Anaseini Siniva Taione, (Tonga Development Bank) also shared her personal story. In August 2015 she found a lump in her breast that was diagnosed as a lymphoma.

“By the time I reached Australia for treatment it was already Stage 4. My bones and lungs were already affected.”

Siniva urged women, “as soon as you discover a lump go and see a doctor, because the longer you wait the more chance there is for the cancer to spread. Lymphoma is a disease that can quickly kill you if not treated right away,” she said.

Attending the morning tea event was the Patron of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. HRH Princess  Sālote Mafile’o Pilolevu, at Vikilani House, Nuku’alofa, CBD.

The theme for this year's events is "We're Stronger Together - Kaukaua 'ihe 'etau 1".

While the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. has only ten registered members it is supported by dozens of women in Tonga. The executive urged supporters to become registered members for a nominal fee of $2 in order to help the organization realize its goals.

Other events organized for Pink October include a “Best Awareness Campaign” for businesses and organisations to “pink-up” their work places, as well as a Quiz Night at the Billfish on Wednesday, a Luncheon on October 22 and a Walk for Health on October 29. Details will be posted on their Facebook page.