The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with support from the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health (SIAPH), has launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), urging women to seek early detection and timely medical care. The month runs from 14 October to 7 November.

Dr Gregory Jilini, Health Permanent Secretary Acting, said breast cancer is the cancer women here are most often diagnosed with: approximately 128 cases a year, and around 47 deaths. Breast and cervical cancer between them account for almost half of the cancer cases in women, he said, and the number of new breast cancer patients needing chemotherapy at NRH rose from 39 in 2019 to 99 in 2022.

"Behind every number is a woman with a family, hopes for the future and people who depend on her," Dr Jilini said.

Many women seek care only once the disease is advanced, he said, which makes treatment harder, more costly and less likely to give the best result. Fear, stigma, financial pressure and limited awareness keep women from coming forward early, according to Dr Jilini, who added that some women put their families' needs ahead of their own health.

Screening rates remain low even though NRH has mammography equipment, trained radiographers and health professionals, the ministry said. The hospital carried out 190 mammograms between January and June 2026, averaging approximately 32 each month.

"This year's message is simple: Get screened. Get your pink ribbon shirt," Dr Jilini said, asking women due for screening to bring a sister, friend or colleague along. Any woman who notices a lump or unusual change in her breasts should go to a health facility rather than wait for a screening campaign, he said, and he called on families, churches, communities and employers to support women in getting screened and treated in time.

Ms Yvvonne Ogaoga spoke at the launch about her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, the ministry said.

Source: Based on "MHMS Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026", published by the Solomon Islands Government portal for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on 16 October 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/mhms-launches-breast-cancer-awareness-month-2026/