MBKS Floating Stage Kuching, shrouded with trees and bushes, amidst the green scenery of the flora, on October 21 was filled with laughter as the ladies from the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) were busy with their merrymaking over tea and dance performances. The event started at 4pm, though with cloudy skies, the ladies with their family members, invited guests, alongside the staffs from the Heart Centre Sarawak, Lions Club and some from the Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak Branch were seen dancing to the tunes during zumba and was later entertained by exuberant line dance dancers from the support group.
According to SBCSG President Datin Juriah Sulehan the objective of the event is to celebrate the month of the Pink Ribbon, which is the breast cancer awareness month and it is celebrated internationally every October. “It is the first of its kind, a garden tea party organised by SBCSG and I just want them to mingle among each other over tea because all this while, we usually hold our activities indoor.
“The other day I came to this garden and I just knew it was the perfect garden for the tea party, as you can see the green, you can see the water, and with all the pink, it is so nice!” Juriah shared.
The President also mentioned that they would be joining the Regatta Festival this year held in November. “They are so eager to join, but I told them to exercise and build up some muscles being joining otherwise they will be sore from all the rowing and pedalling.”
Juriah also added how they would be joining the competition as participants and not actually competing just to parade their support group on the waters of Kuching. Other future activities the group has in line are breast and health screening at a shopping mall in Siburan and Bungan Dedak, Serian, end of this week and next month respectively.
The screening is to raise awareness on self-checking and the risk of breast cancer if it is not found in its early stages. Other ongoing activity conducted within the premise is the healthy line dance class available every Thursday afternoon. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumour that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. All woman over 20-years-old should make monthly breast self examinations as part of their life to assist in the early detection of breast cancer. It is usually done seven days after the start of their menstrual cycle. The male population are no exception to getting breast cancer too.
However, it attacks during their senior years of 60 to 70 years old where the cells are more prone to develop as even in men’s chest, there are also breast tissues. SBCSG was first established in 1993 at the Sarawak General Hospital but has been moving into the bungalow at Maxwell Road, Kuching since 2007. Since then, the place has been an avenue for survivors and patients, as well as outsiders to interact under one roof, as well as share and support the journey of each other.
For further information on SBCSG, do contact 082 – 411137, or drop by at ‘Matahari’ Lorong Maxwell 2, Jalan Maxwell off Jalan Tun Haji Openg, 93000, Kuching, Sarawak. Those who are interested in joining the support group can also head over to their ‘Matahari’ house or call the centre directly.
