The PICCSI (Pacific Island Cervical Cancer Screening Initiative) team travelled to Fiji this month, after raising funds for the program from participating in the Melbourne Run. The team are continuing the great work of the program in supporting Fijian women. Hear from Nicola about what this program means...
"Our team participated in the RunMelbourne to raise money for the PICCSI Project. This is a free service for Fijian women, where they get screened for the infection that causes cervical cancer (HPV) and then treated on the same day. We are hoping to improve health literacy and knowledge of cervical cancer amongst the women of Fiji, as well as perform screening and treatment to decrease their risk of developing cancer.
"There is no cervical cancer screening program in Fiji. Because of this 2% of women in Fiji will die from cervix cancer, and a large percentage of those women are less than 45 years old. PICCSI helps to raise awareness within the community, and performs screening for women women in 5 locations across Fiji.
"We'd really appreciate supporters donating to our cause. Alternatively we'd love to have volunteers to help with our project. We have need for non clinical people to help with the day to day running of a large event like this, as well as clinical support from doctors and nursing staff."
