KUCHING: Women across the state are encouraged to undergo mammogram screenings to enable early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers affecting women, according to national statistics.
“That is why, the awareness programme on breast cancer among our women, especially those in the rural areas, is very important, so that they know what cancer is and how to detect it.
“Our federal government, through the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), has conducted free mammogram screening for early detection of breast cancer.
“Thus, women are urged to do early screening so that we can treat and defeat the cancer,” she said.
She said this while speaking during the Pink Charity Dinner organised by Pink Ribbon Support Group Sarawak at Riverside Majestic Hotel yesterday evening (Oct 27).
Commending the efforts of the Pink Ribbon Support Group Sarawak, Hasidah lauded their consistent support for breast cancer survivors, significantly improving their quality of life.
Meanwhile, the group’s president Suriani Rapaiee said that the funds raised from the charity dinner would be allocated to constructing a roofed open hall extension at the current Pink Ribbon Centre building in Bandar Baru Semariang.
“Having this hall, we can organise community projects such as breast cancer awareness, aerobic sessions as well as yoga for the health benefit of our survivors.
“Through exercise, the survivor can improve their physical and psycho-social health and there is some evidence that physical activity had a greater effect on quality of life for breast cancer survivors,” she said.
