Six women found to have lumps at breast cancer awareness program

TAWAU: Six women were found to have lumps in their breast during the Tawau Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (TKPR), Tawau General Hospital and Surgical Department breast cancer awareness program last Friday at KL-Kepong (S) Sdn Bhd.

TKPR chairwoman Christy Fe Salazar said the lumps were found during breast examination conducted by two doctors and assisted by two senior staff nurses.

She said 116 women attended the talk about breast health and the importance of early detection conducted by Dr Halimatul.

“This showed the importance of early detection for the six women who were given appointments to go for further test at the hospital,” she said yesterday.

Christy, who shared her breast cancer journey, was diagnosed nine years ago in 2008 and despite many obstacles, she continues to be a strong advocate in the battle against breast cancer and works very closely with other medical authorities.

Being the chairwoman of TKPR, a community activist, she has taken it upon herself to become an influence to women in Sabah, Tawau especially in breast cancer support and survivorship.

She strongly pointed out that early detection is vital and the key to overcoming the battle, but stressed there is no point in early detection if one is seeking the wrong medical attention.

“Seeking the wrong medical attention is not only a waste of time but will also ruin one’s life. So let’s make sure we are staying informed about what information is out there to help us prevent breast cancer or know what to do in case we need it,” she said.

Christy said Kinabalu Pink Ribbon aims to fight breast cancer by empowering and educating women on breast healthcare and supporting survivors towards a better life.

She told the audience that these programs are part of TKPR roadshow with Tawau General Hospital until October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Globally.

‘Pinktober Run 2017’ is TKPR’s annual siganture event in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Tawau to raise funds for their on-going education programs and their Patients Welfare Fund.

Christy urged the public to join her and the rest and is expecting 2,000 participants to give impact to the local community not only raising the level of awareness but to prevent breast cancer through knowledge and education.

She said prior to the Pinktober Run 2017, the awareness talk and personal breast cancer journey had already been conducted in collaboration with Tawau General Hospital at Maybank Fajar on July 25, Maybank Kubota (August 8) and RHB Bank Tawau (August 9).

The talks will be conducted at MFC Club Tawau on August 19, St Patrick Secondary School (August 21), SMK Kalabakan (August 24), Kesihatan Merotai (September 9), Semporna Hospital (September 14), Tawau Hospice (September 16), Kesihatan Apas Balung (Septeber 23) and Tawau Buddhist Lodge on October 8.

She thanked KL-Kepong (S) Sdn Bhd regional director Ma Fak Chin and the management for allowing the program to be conducted at their club house.