Detection of early breast cancer vital

SIBU: Breast cancer is not only a health issue but also touches every level of society.
University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Women’s Association chairlady Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain said all communities, both men and women, need to be aware of the importance of regular checkups and knowledge about the early signs of breast cancer.
“With knowledge, we can reduce the risk and increase the chance of detecting the disease at an early stage, where treatment is more effective,” she said at a Breast Cancer Awareness event in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which took place at UTS’s Academic Resource Centre here on Thursday (Oct 10).
The event is organised by the UTS’ Academic Resource Centre (ARC) in collaboration with the UTS Women’s Association and the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) and is also assisted by health staff from the Sibu hospital.
Health screening, especially blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI checks as well as breast checks were also held, which were conducted by the Sibu hospital.
In addition, participants were also given a detailed briefing from Dr Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali, who is the head of Breast Surgery from Sarawak General Hospital as well as SCAN Health advisor, and followed by a forum from breast cancer survivors from SCAN.
Dayang Mariani, who is also SCAN’s honourary advisor, said SCAN was established especially for former cancer patients and also those who are still in treatment and children who care for their families or parents who care for their children who have cancer.
She explained SCAN is also a platform to speak to the government about hospital cancer, expensive drug prices, and funds to ease the burden of cancer patients due to expensive medicine.
“Let’s all continue our efforts to spread awareness about breast cancer, undergo early screening, and provide support to those in need.
“Hopefully with this awareness, we can save more lives and bring hope to a better future,” she said.
According to her, the month of October is a very important time for all communities, not only to give support to those who are fighting the disease, but also to raise awareness about preventive measures and early detection.
The event was inaugurated by UTS vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid and was also attended by deputy director of Sibu Hospital, Dr Nizam Ishak.