MIRI: Dr Pui Wei Chieng, Resident Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital, stressed the importance of early detection in saving lives during a Breast Cancer Awareness Talk at Curtin University Malaysia.
The event, organised in conjunction with Pink October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), aimed to unite communities under the theme “Together we can make a difference.”
The talk addressed the alarming statistics of breast cancer in Malaysia, where breast cancer accounted for 32.7 per cent of cases among females of all ages in 2018, with 7,593 reported cases.
Dr Pui noted the concerning trend that around 40 per cent of patients only realise they have breast cancer at late stages three or four, often due to poor awareness, fear, and a preference for alternative treatments.
Various risk factors for breast cancer were outlined, including family history, gene mutations, late childbearing, hormonal factors, and lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
The importance of recognising signs and symptoms, such as changes in skin texture, lumps, unusual pain, or other abnormalities, was highlighted.
Dr Pui underscored the significance of screening tests for early detection and provided specific recommendations based on risk categories.
Addressing treatment options, the talk covered surgery, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
For low-risk individuals, mammograms are advised twice a year from ages 50 to 74. Moderaterisk individuals should undergo yearly mammograms from ages 40 to 49, increasing to twice a year from ages 50 to 74. High-risk individuals, especially those with genetic predispositions, require more frequent screenings.
The event was attended by various organisations, including Persekutuan Perkumpulan Wanita Sarawak, Lee Clan Association, Excellence Physio, UOB Bank, SOP, as well as staff and lecturers of Curtin University Malaysia.
