Early detection of breast cancer crucial to save lives — Dr Zulkifli
MIRI: How often do you selfcheck your breasts, as an early precautionary action against breast cancer? How much do you know about the symptoms of breast cancer? Who are at risk and how to deal with it?
According to Miri Hospital head of Surgical Department, Dr Zulkifli Mohammad Zainuddin despite efforts in promoting awareness about breast cancer in the country, many do not realize that early detection (of breast cancer) could save their lives.
“The peak age of breast cancer diagnosis is between 50 to 59 years old. However the number has increased and it is getting younger even affecting those in the 30’s. It is best to have breast- check as early as possible,” Dr. Zulkifli said after launching the Pinktober Miri Fest 2017 and Seahorse Sutera Support Group ( SSSG) at Miri Hospital yesterday.
The overall-age of breast cancer in Malaysia was recorded at 39.3 years old per 100,000 population, he added.
Dr Zulkifli stressed that breast cancer is curable if detected early. Therefore, the importance of yearly screening must not be taken for granted.
Dr Zulkifli who is also SSSG patron said the support group was established this year to help breast cancer patients better understand the nature of their disease and cope with the changes in their lives.”
With free breast cancer screening, free check- up, counselling for patients and family members, SSSG provides the link between patients and other support system such as social welfare, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Dr Zulkifli .
“The factors contributing to breast cancer are age, family history, environment (radiation exposure), oral contraceptive intake and lifestyle. Therefore, part of counselling and consultation is to identify the factors. Many breast cancer patients in Miri were often diagnosed at a very late stage. We hope to save more lives with the initiative.”
Dr Zulkifli encouraged both men and women to come forward and find out more about breast cancer. “Many would be appalled that men too may get breast cancer, but at a low percentage. Regardless of men or women, we want the community to have better awareness and remind their family, relatives and friends to go for check-up,” he said.
At the launch were Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong, Matron Chieng Sui Hoon and doctors as well as medical staff.
Seahorse Sutera Support Group is open to the public and hospital staff every Tuesday from 2pm to 5pm.