𝐅𝐂𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The celebration was attended by Chief Guest Dr. Unaisi Tabua, who was escorted to the function by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Apolosa Veve.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tabua highlighted the importance of raising awareness about cancers affecting women in Fiji, particularly breast and cervical cancer, while also drawing attention to endometrial, ovarian and colorectal cancers.

She emphasised that cancer awareness must go beyond an annual celebration, encouraging women to recognise warning signs, seek medical attention promptly and take advantage of appropriate screening and preventative healthcare services.

Dr. Tabua explained that cervical cancer is largely preventable through measures such as HPV vaccination, appropriate cervical screening and early treatment of precancerous changes. She also highlighted the importance of recognising possible breast cancer warning signs, including lumps, unusual nipple discharge, skin changes and inverted nipples.

A key message from her address was the need for women to prioritise their personal health, particularly those serving in demanding professional environments.

Recognising the dedication and responsibilities of women in uniform, Dr. Tabua acknowledged the challenges associated with shift work, long working hours, occupational stress and balancing professional and family commitments. She reminded officers that their commitment to duty should never come at the expense of their health and wellbeing.

“Women in uniform, strong in service, but you are not invincible,” Dr. Tabua reminded the gathering, encouraging women to seek medical advice without fear, hesitation or embarrassment.

She further highlighted the importance of privacy, dignity and confidentiality when accessing reproductive healthcare and cancer-related services. She encouraged the Fiji Corrections Service to continue strengthening workplace wellness initiatives and ensuring that women have access to appropriate healthcare and referral pathways.

Dr. Tabua also called on officers and staff to share the knowledge gained during the awareness celebration with their colleagues, families and communities, reinforcing the message that cancer awareness and early action can make a meaningful difference.

The Pinktober celebration provided an opportunity for the women of the Fiji Corrections Service to stand together in promoting awareness, encouraging open conversations about women’s health and reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare.

The Fiji Corrections Service acknowledges that the health and wellbeing of its personnel are essential to maintaining an effective, resilient and professional workforce. Initiatives such as Pinktober serve as an important reminder that looking after those who serve is equally important as the service they provide to the nation.

As the Service joins the wider community in recognising Pinktober, the message remains clear: 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.

Every life matters, and no woman should be left behind in the fight against cancer.