1 in 30 Malaysian women will have breast cancer, so get checked now

Early detection is key when it comes to surviving breast cancer. Photo: 123rf.com

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is everything. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia – 1 in 30 will be diagnosed in their lifetime – and yet a majority of women do not routinely check their breasts for abnormalities, or go for annual screenings after the age of 40.

The lack of access to screening facilities in rural areas may contribute to the problem, but National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) president Dr Saunthari Somasundaram feels that the bigger issue is women’s indifference towards their breast health.