Vava'u women launch Breast Cancer Awareness [1]
Monday, October 29, 2012 - 18:51. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
More than 150 women in Vava'u underwent free testing for breast cancer and one woman who was detected with a lump was referred to hospital, during the first Breast Cancer Awareness program launched on October 26-27 in Tonga's outer islands.
Lucy Fa'anunu the Managing Director of 'Ene'io Enterprises and organiser said the free breast cancer tests were held at the Vava'u Family Health Clinic, and they were grateful for the support of Cohen Lifestyle Clinic of Darwin, Australia, that provided assistance for the free test and donated 200 bras to the women of Vava'u who participated. The testing was announced on the local 88.6 FM station.
Lucy Fa'anunu, and Diane Clarke (at rear) at the Breast Cancer Awareness programme in Neiafu, Vava'u. 26 October 2012.
The breast cancer awareness program for Vava'u showed the need to establish a body to focus and develop their own collective structure.
"We aim to raise funds and network with regional and international agencies to help meet the challenge of raising awareness and support programs for women in Vava'u," she said.
The assistance was made through Diane Clarke of Vaka Vave Enterprises of 'Utungake, who is a member of the Cohen Lifestyle Clinic.
Early detection
Helen Fulivai the wife of the Governor of Vava'u in a keynote speech at the opening of the programme said there was a need to improve and build awareness of breast cancer in Vava'u, to reduce the number of women who were losing their lives to breast cancer.
"Women need to get regular tests for early detection, as prevention is better than cure."
She thanked the few women who were involved in starting the program for Vava'u and did not rely on the Ministry of Health to do everything. They included Diane, Lucy and staff of the clinic, hospital nurses and former nurses who volunteered for the program.