BY JOY OFASIA
Early detection and women’s leadership are at the centre of a breast cancer screening campaign in Solomon Islands, with the Australian Government supporting local health workers to encourage more women to access screening services. Speaking at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) on Wednesday, 14 October, Australian Government representative and Senior Program Manager Erin Ferguson highlighted the importance of early detection and the role of local women in encouraging others to take action.
Ms Ferguson said breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in Solomon Islands, with too many cases diagnosed at a late stage, highlighting the need for women to seek screening early. With the improved prospects that early detection and timely treatment can offer, she said that every woman deserves the chance for screening.
“Every Solomon Islands woman deserves that chance,” she said. The campaign, launched under the theme “Get Screened. Get Your Pink Ribbon Shirt,” is led by Loretta Maeohu and the women of the NRH Medical Imaging team, who identified a gap between the availability of mammography equipment and trained radiographers and the number of women coming forward for screening.
Ms Ferguson said the initiative demonstrated the value of women leading programmes that directly affect their health and wellbeing, drawing on their local knowledge and experience to encourage other women to access available services. Through the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership (SIAHP), the Australian Government is supporting the campaign.
“Australia’s role is to back local leadership, not lead it. Through SIAHP we are funding the shirts, banners and launch, and supporting communications and results tracking,” she said. This builds on earlier Australian support for mammography equipment and radiographer training, with the campaign seeking to ensure these investments translate into more women accessing screening.
The campaign also recognises breast cancer survivors, whose experiences can encourage other women to seek screening and access care. Its success will be measured by the number of women screened, with results expected to be highlighted on World Radiology Day on 8 November 2026. Ms Ferguson calls to action by saying Don’t wait for symptoms: ask about screening at NRH this October, and bring a sister, bring a friend. “Don’t wait for symptoms: ask about screening at NRH this October, and bring a sister, bring a friend,” she said.
By combining early detection with local women’s leadership, the campaign aims to turn awareness into action and help more women in Solomon Islands take steps to protect their health. Ferguson thanked Loretta who is the lead for the campaign. ““A campaign for women, by women led by Solomon Islanders and proudly supported by Australia. Loretta, thank you for showing us what leadership looks like,” she said.
