(From second left) Prof Khairuddin and Dayang Mariani bursting balloons to launch the cancer awareness programme.
A Cancer survivor and awareness activist has a message for patients: A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.
“Breast cancer is a concern very close to my heart as I have been a survivor of the disease for the last 14 years.
“For those diagnosed, it is not a death sentence if you know how to manage the situation properly,” said Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain, who serves as Cancer Advocacy and Awareness (SCAN) advisor.
Dayang Mariani said cancer patients should adhere to their doctors’ advice.
“You must follow what your doctors have told you.
“You must also be mentally strong and avoid harmful advice.
“Most importantly, you need to stay mentally resilient instead of feeling that your diagnosis is a death sentence,” she said at the opening of a breast cancer awareness programme at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu.
Dayang Mariani also urged cancer patients to join SCAN rather than isolating themselves from society.
“At SCAN, we support not only cancer patients and survivors, but also caregivers.”
SCAN was set up for former cancer patients and those who are still on treatment.
It also aims to support caregivers of cancer patients, which may include their parents and children.
The society has become a platform to voice patients’ and carers’ concerns to the government.
These issues include expensive drug prices and the need for subsidies regarding treatment costs.
Sarawak General Hospital breast surgery head and SCAN health advisor Dr Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali also highlighted the importance of Pink October.
She said it was a month for offering support to cancer patients as well as promoting public awareness on the need for early prevention and detection of the disease.
“Breast cancer is more than just a health concern as it affects every level of society,” she said.
“All of us, both men and women, need to understand the importance of regular check-ups and knowledge about early signs of breast cancer.
“With knowledge, we can reduce the risk and increase the chance of detecting this disease at an early stage, where treatment is more effective.”
Also present were UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid and Hospital Sibu deputy director Dr Nizam Ishak.
