Be brave to undergo breast cancer test, women told
PENAMPANG: Women in Sabah are urged not to be afraid or shy in undergoing tests for breast cancer as they are vital in saving lives.
United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusun Murut Organisation (Upko) Wanita chief Datin Dr Juliana Jani said women must step out of their comfort zone and go for health check.
“All the facilities have been provided to you.
Therefore you should use this opportunity to go for your free mammogram tests,” Juliana said in her speech when officiating at the Upko Penampang’s Breast Cancer Awareness Programme, organised by its Komulakan and Wanita wings at ITCC Mall yesterday.
“Mammogram tests will detect what is not visible. This was proven as nine out of ten breast cancer cases were detected through these tests. Remember, early detection can be treated successfully and it can save lives,” she added.
Those who are interested to learn more on these tests may contact Kinabalu Pink Ribbon for help, said Juliana.
“The real cause of breast cancer is still unknown. Based on writings and studies found on the internet, this disease is associated with environmental pollution, fatty foods, lifestyle, obesity etc.
“Women in this country must always be alert and they must maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent such disease,” she stressed.
She disclosed that there are around 4,000 newly reported breast cancer patients every year and that this figure is constantly increasing.
Based on the National Cancer Registry, from 2007 till 2011, the incident rate for breast cancer in the country was at 31.1 per cent in every 10,000 women.
According to the MyScan report this year, fifteen of the most common types of cancer in the country (between 2007 and 2011) had been identified; it revealed that breast cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer (66.8 per cent).
Among those present in the opening ceremony were Upko Penampang Komulakan chief Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Upko Penampang Wanita chief Chaw Pei See and organising chairperson Affah Hasnah Idiam.