‘Early detection key in cancer battle’

Gleneagles Hospital Penang staff doing a basic health survey for a visitor prior to a free health screening during the Pink October 2022 event.

ONE out of 27 Malaysians has a risk of being affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, and Penang is among the states with the highest number of cases.

This data from the National Cancer Registry of Malaysia was highlighted by Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Sean.

He had earlier witnessed the mock cheque presentation from Gleneagles Hospital Penang to Charis Hospice Penang, a non-profit organisation based in Ayer Itam. It provides free palliative home care services to patients with cancer and other advanced critical illnesses.

The RM10,000 donation was raised during the hospital’s Pink October 2022 breast cancer awareness month.

It was handed over by the hospital’s person-in-charge Datuk Dr Lai Yoon Kee to Charis Hospice chairperson Dr Oo Loo Chan during the launch of the Gleneagles Warrior campaign to educate the public on the importance of early detection and preventive care.

Gleneagles Hospital Penang chief operations officer Yong Zi Ling said the hospital ran such events yearly to empower people in their fight against the disease.

She highlighted figures from the World Health Organisation showing 48,000 new cancer cases in Malaysia last year. More worryingly, the incidence is expected to double by 2040.

“This will become a major health issue as cancer puts a tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on patients, their families, the community and healthcare system,” said Yong.

Dr Oo (right) receiving the RM10,000 donation from Dr Lai (second from left) and Yong (left). With them is Yew.

“The most common cancer in Malaysia is breast cancer, followed by colorectal cancer, lung, nasopharyngeal and liver cancer.

“Sadly, 43% of breast cancer cases locally to date are only detected at more advanced stages, when it is too late,” she said at the event in Gurney Plaza, Penang.

“We have to face the fact that cancer is dangerous and rampant. Rather than considering it a taboo subject, we should talk about it to increase awareness among our loved ones,” said Yew.

Both he and Yong also reminded women to go for regular screenings such as mammograms because early detection would significantly improve the outcomes and survival rates.

The Gleneagles Warrior campaign launch event also featured a panel session with the hospital’s general, breast, endocrine and bariatric surgeon Dr Kirubakaran Malapan and consultant radiologist Dr Zanariah Mohd Zain.

They listed unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, smoking and obesity as among the main risk factors for breast cancer.

“We must continue to educate the community on seeking the right treatments from certified medical professionals,” said Dr Kirubakaran.

“All women are vulnerable to the disease, especially with age.

“Unfortunately, many women, especially those in their 40s and 50s, have not gone for any medical screenings.

“This has to change because age increases risk. Also, make it a habit to do breast self-examinations every month,” Dr Kirubakaran advised.

Visitors to the event also received free breast self-examination education, basic health screenings and free checks on body mass index, glucose and blood pressure.