(From third left) Dr Vignesvari, Marina, Dr Saunthari and Maisarah during the closing ceremony of Pink Etiqa at a private hospital in Kluang.
A NATIONWIDE roadshow to provide free mammogram screening for women concluded in Kluang, Johor.
The roadshow was an initiative by National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) as well as Etiqa Insurance and Takaful.
NCSM deputy director (medical) Dr S. Vignesvari said the Pink Etiqa initiative started in Negri Sembilan on Oct 9.
“We covered six locations nationwide including Sabah, Terengganu, Perak and Melaka.
“Although the programme has ended, our job is not done.
“We remain committed to making cancer screening and support services accessible to all Malaysians,” she said.
KPJ southern and eastern region chief executive officer Maisarah Omar said the healthcare group was proud to support the initiative.
She said through this programme, KPJ Kluang Specialist Hospital saw a big jump in mammogram and ultrasound screening last year.
“This year’s participation has indicated a rise in cancer awareness,” she said.
Maisarah added that the initiative also reflected the importance of breast cancer awareness and a supportive environment for cancer patients.
Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim, who was present at the closing ceremony of the programme in KPJ Kluang Specialist Hospital, said: “Women are the backbone of families.
“I urge women in Johor, especially those aged 40 and above, to go for free mammogram screening provided by the programme.
“Early detection saves lives and increases the chances of recovery.”
Also present at the event was NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.
Pink Etiqa is part of phase six of NCSM and Etiqa’s free mammogram programme.
The RM2.01mil programme was fully funded by the insurance company to assist 6,000 less privileged women in Malaysia undergo breast cancer screening.
A total of 200 spots were allocated for women in Kluang.
Phase six of the initiative also saw Etiqa funding screening for 50,000 people through its mobile clinic.
From phase one to five, the company had spent close to RM10mil to help 27,500 women undergo free cancer examinations, where 592 abnormalities were detected and from that, 93 were diagnosed with cancer.
All the cases were referred to the nearest hospitals for medical consultation and treatment.
For enquiries and screening schedules, visit www.cancer.org.my or call 1-800-88-1000.
