*source from http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/campaign-to-raise-breast-cancer-awareness
KUALA LUMPUR: Did you know that more than one million women in the world are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 400,000 die every year?
KUALA LUMPUR: Did you know that more than one million women in the world are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 400,000 die every year?
Studies show that one in every 20 women in Malaysia are at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. According to research, most women avoid undergoing breast screening because of embarrassment, anxiety and fear.
To address the high rate of breast cancer, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) recently launched the Wear it Pink 2012 campaign in conjunction with the International Breast Cancer Awareness.
The campaign was launched by Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of breast cancer through health education, prevention, early stage diagnosis and effective treatment.
The activities include offering subsidised mammograms for two months, public talks at several corporate organisations and a charity gala musical night at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at Petronas Twin Towers on Oct 31.
The musical Spanish Sensations features renowned Spanish guitarist Rafael Serrallet. Proceeds of the ticket sales will go to the Breast Cancer Support Society Negri Sembilan (BCSCNS).
Rosnah said she admired the hospital's effort in educating society on breast cancer.
"The alarming rate of breast cancer in Malaysia is due to the lack of awareness among women and the late stage consultations. Breast cancer should be diagnosed as early as possible to improve the survival rate.
"This campaign is definitely a good platform to remind the public of the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer," said Rosnah.
Pantai Holdings Bhd chairman Khairil Anuar Abdullah said: "With the unified efforts and smart partnerships of support groups, non-governmental organisations, breast cancer survivors, medical practitioners and the public, we are able to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases like breast cancer."
At the launch, PHKL donated RM20,000 to BCSCNS, an organisation that addresses the lack of peer support for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.
BCSCNS committee member Chai Moei Ho, 50, a breast cancer survivor, said breast cancer was no longer a death sentence.
"I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2008. After receiving the news, I was in denial as I have no family history of the disease.
"After undergoing a series of treatments at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban, my health significantly improved and I slowly recovered. Every women, regardless of age and race, should go for a breast screening test as this cancer can happen to anyone. Early detection can help save your life," she said.
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