(From third left) Abang Russaini, Dr Ang, UTAR council member Hew Fen Yee, Prof Lau, Nurfarhana, Soo, PCNP representative Mardianah Mohd Yusof and (far right) Khong with Makna and SPKP representatives.
IN SUPPORT of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UTAR Hospital in Kampar, Perak, hosted its first Pink October Fiesta.
The event to raise awareness of breast cancer, its detection and prevention, was in collaboration with National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and National Cancer Council (Makna).
It was boosted by the presence of Dr Soo Wincci, and support groups Pink Champion Negri Perak (PCNP) and Sahabat Pejuang Kanser Perak (SPKP).
A variety of activities, including free basic health screening and game stations, were available to visitors.
These encouraged awareness of early prevention and treatments of what is one of the most common cancers among women in Malaysia.
Among the fiesta highlights were nurse-guided breast self-exams and live health podcast led by Soo and featuring UTAR Hospital’s doctors, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners as well as breast cancer survivors.
Visitors were also shown the latest technological advancements regarding breast cancer treatments, and offered screening packages at special rates.
As part of its role in contributing to community health, the hospital is equipped with ultrasound and mammography facilities, specialist consultations and operating theatres.
Info booths, interactive mini-game stations and food stalls added fun to the event.
UTAR Hospital chief executive officer Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping described breast cancer as one of the “silent killers” among women worldwide.
“With early detection and timely treatment, cancer is not something to be feared.
“TCM treatments such as herbal decoctions to nourish and strengthen the body, or other traditional and complementary medical services would also assist patients in the recovery stage,” she said.
Perak LPPKN director Nurfarhana Lee Mohd Zulkiflee Lee said awareness was still low among women about the importance of detecting breast cancer early.
“Apart from cervical cancer, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women.
“We hope we can highlight the importance of early detection not only through governmental initiatives and subsidies, but also through awareness events,” she said.
UTAR Hospital clinical operation deputy chief executive officer Dr Ang Kong Hui said the fiesta also aimed to get the younger generation to start embracing the importance of early cancer screening.
“Raising awareness is always a collective initiative and effort.
“We hope that, with this event, we can give back to the community, aligning with our hospital motto of ‘Enriching and Caring for the Community’,” he said.
Also present at the event were UTAR Hospital deputy chief executive officer Maria Khong and senior operations manager and business development acting director Abang Russaini Abang Zainal Abidin.
