The Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesele has highlighted the importance of the early detection of breast cancer and the need for Samoa's women to take heed. 

Giving the keynote address on Monday evening at the ANZ Samoa business premises at Matafele to officially launch PinkTober, Valasi said the theme for PinkTober this month is “together we make a difference” or “Ia tasi I suiga manuia”.

He said for the Samoa Cancer Society (S.C.S.) networking and partnerships as well as volunteering were critical to their success, but the importance of early detection cannot be underestimated.

"For the Samoa Cancer Society which has been working together with our partners and volunteers, to promote and reinforce to our women the importance of early detection, recognising the signs and symptoms, seeking medical advice and learning to do breast self-examinations," the Minister said.

The Minister also acknowledged the support of the ANZ Samoa and its Regional Manager Bernie Poort and other partners who have stoody by the S.C.S. over the years and supported its programmes.

"We are here at the headquarters of one of the key partners of the Samoa Cancer Society, the ANZ Banking Group,” added Valasi.

“Mr Bernie Poort and his team have been long standing supporters of all of the society’s activities, providing very timely financial support, most recently with our Sei Pua Day, staff volunteers and probably the most visible.

“But also one of the most essential of gifts is the ‘Pink Car’ that is such an important asset, enabling the society staff to safely and efficiently provide patient support to those suffering from cancer and conduct their outreach programs.”

The Minister also acknowledged the Samoa Cancer Society's partners, volunteers and supporters whom he said made their work possible.

"This year marks 10 years that ANZ has hosted the launch for PinkTober and the Samoa Cancer Society is extremely grateful for this support,” Valasi added. 

“PinkTober has now become part of the yearly calendar of events for Samoa and we see this in how so many of our public, private and civil societies show their support by wearing pink, decorating their workplaces in pink and holding breast cancer awareness programs.”

S.C.S. Chief Executive Officer Papalii Su'a John Ryan said that the society continues its community support and everyone has a part to play.

"Samoa Cancer Society can only continue to do its work with this community support and we must all understand that we all have a part to play in combating cancer,” Papalii said. 

“This could be through supporting someone with cancer, holding a cancer awareness event with S.C.S. are just 2 of many ways that we can all get involved.

 "The launch event was an opportunity to bring together key partners for S.C.S. to reaffirm our commitment to one day having a cancer free Samoa. 

“As well as ANZ Samoa, S.C.S. is thankful to the Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health, Australian British and New Zealand High Commissioners, Vodafone Samoa and all of the guests that attended.”

Mr. Poort, in his speech at the official launching on Monday night, said it is the eleventh time for the bank to get involved by hosting the official PinkTober launching. 

“I had a staff member ask me today how many people’s lives do you think we have saved since we started our association with the Samoan Cancer Society,” he said. 

“As a banker we like to know the numbers, but honestly I can't give you the real number.

“What I told her and what I can share with you all is what we have done is get people and families talking about cancer, talking about how important it is to see a doctor when something feels wrong and when available getting a scan.”

The S.C.S. has records dating back to 2015 with the data showing a gradual increase in case referrals between 2015 and 2019. In 2015 a total of 27 cases were first reported, which increased to 29 a year later in 2016, 89 in 2017, 91 in 2018 and 102 in 2019.