Philothea Fiubala of Langalanga, Malaita, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, said early detection would help women to get the right treatment.
Mrs Fiubala decided to come out publicly about her situation as local women took up the battle against breast and cervical cancer.
This will culminate in Pink Ribbon Day next week when a huge fundraising event will be held to raise funds to buy medical equipment for the Breast Cancer Centre at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.
The First Lady’s Charity is spearheading the fundraising drive.
Mrs Fiubala said when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a massive operation.
“I was so scared when the doctor told me that I have breast cancer. I though that’s the end of my life,” Mrs Fiubala said.
She was then admitted at the hospital to undergo operation where she had one of her breasts removed along with two ovaries.
She said it was a tough time for her and her family.
“I was scared when I went through the process because it wasn’t that easy for me and my family, but I have to make the right choice,”
Mrs Fiubala was given doses of drugs – Tamoxifen (2-5 years) and chemotherapy (monthly-6 cycles).
She said she developed the tumor when she was 38 years old.
“I first learn about breast cancer at our Dorcas programs under the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church where awareness was provided.
“At first I did not think about breast cancer when I started feeling a lump on my right breast.
“After that awareness I decided to take an early test.
“After being diagnosed with the disease, I realised later one of my cousins also had breast cancer,” she said.
Mrs Fiubala said her family regretted she had to go through an operation.
“My family thought there should be other ways to treat the cancer.
“But it had happened. I am just lucky that the cancer was detected at an early stage. This enabled me to live for the last 19 years.
“I did not believe in custom or take any custom medicine. Since I got diagnosed with the cancer, I just follow the doctor’s advice and live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
She urged women here to go for an early test if they feel something is wrong with their breasts.
“This is important so that the right treatment is given.”
Mrs Fiubala, now 57, said the support she received from her family and her husband helped her to live the last 19 years.
Gabriel Spencer of Cancer Registry at the National Referral Hospital said Mrs Fiubala is the longest breast cancer surviving patient.
At the Pink Ribbon Day next week, Mrs Fiubala will be one of the advocators against the disease.
By TRIXIE CARTER
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