By Georgina Maka’a

 The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has hosted the country’s first Cancer Survivors Breakfast in Honiara today as part of this year’s PinkTober campaign.

The event, held at the Heritage Park Hotel, brought together cancer survivors, family members, healthcare professionals and national leaders, including SIPPA Executive Director Jackie Martin, Ngella MP Joylin Douglas and representatives of Maringe/Kokota Constituency.

Speaking at the breakfast, Douglas said the gathering marked an important step towards breaking the silence surrounding cancer and encouraging greater community support.

“Today we are celebrating life, courage, and hope,” she told the audience. 

“Cancer does not choose who we are—it does not recognize position, wealth, education, or where we come from,” she added.

“But one thing cancer must never take away from us is our hope and our humanity. In our Solomon Islands communities, too many people suffer in silence. We must break that silence.”

The event also acknowledged the role of caregivers, family members, doctors and nurses in supporting patients through diagnosis and treatment.

Kelton Sikala, Deputy Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit, shared his personal experience of losing his mother to cancer.

“Behind every diagnosis is a family whose life is changed forever,” Sikala said. 

“Behind every loss is a community that grieves,” he added.

“The true value of these numbers cannot be measured in reports—they represent human lives, human potential, and people who matter deeply to our nation.”

Separately, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health (SIAPH), launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 at the National Referral Hospital.

The awareness campaign, running from October 14 to November 7, urges women across the country to prioritise their health through early screening and timely care.

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