KUCHING: A crowd of nearly 400 attended a Breast Cancer Awareness Forum at Kuching City South Council (MBKS) auditorium yesterday.
Organised by the Federation of Kuching-Samarahan Divisions Chinese Associations Women’s Section and supported by the Women’s Bureau, it featured Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) oncologist Dr Voon Pei Jye.
Kuching City South mayor Datuk James Chan, who officiated at the event, stressed that early detection is vital for the survival of breast cancer patients.
“If you find that you have a suspicious lump, do not hesitate but go for a medical check up as soon as possible. Regardless of what it cost, it is worthwhile because the money can be earned back. What is most important is one’s health.
“Any form of cancer, be it breast cancer or others, can strike suddenly regardless of financial standing. Even if you have been taking care of yourself by eating healthy, you are still at risk. However, if detected early, you stand a better chance of treatment and cure,” he said.
He said the forum was a good platform to relay the message about breast cancer-related health education, counselling and screening.
“There is a need for more awareness as there are still misconceptions or ignorance about the sickness. Many still
think that it is an incurable illness. They may even be afraid or embarrassed to go for mammography.
“They must see mammography as a way to diagnose breast cancer before it becomes symptomatic. As such, family members play an important role. They must be supportive. The strongest push for women to undergo mammography is encouragement from their spouses and other family members,” he noted.
Meanwhile, organising chairperson Lau Ngit Yean said they were happy to see a good turnout as it indicated Kuching folk are willing to learn more about their health.
“I hope those who have attended this forum will share what they have learnt with their spouses, especially on the importance of early detection,” she said.