Lim shares her story about battling breast cancer in the YouTube video.
IN the silent battle against breast cancer, early awareness can be the difference between life and death.
It’s more than just a statistic; it’s about real women, real families and real lives.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Malaysian women, claiming an estimated nine lives every day (Global Cancer Registry, 2020).
Shockingly, 47% of new diagnoses are made in the disease’s advanced stages, revealing a glaring gap in public awareness.
In conjunction with Pink October, disposable face mask manufacturer Medicos has released the limited edition Medicos HydroCharge Pink Ribbon 2023 surgical face mask.
Adorned with an artistic butterfly motif inspired by the iconic pink ribbon, these masks serve as a visual reminder, helping to spread awareness and spark important conversations around breast health.
The company’s dedication to the Pink Ribbon Campaign is fuelled by the personal experience of chief executive officer William Wong, whose mother courageously battled and survived breast cancer.
For every box of Medicos HydroCharge Pink Ribbon 2023 surgical face mask sold, RM5 will go towards supporting BCWA activities.
This emotional connection propels him to support breast cancer awareness and education to reach as many Malaysian women as possible.
This year, Medicos is partnering with Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA), a non-profit organisation committed to breast health education and supporting women affected by breast cancer.
For every box of Medicos HydroCharge Pink Ribbon 2023 surgical face mask sold, RM5 will be contributed to support BCWA activities.
BCWA offers a range of services including education, psychosocial and recovery support.
The butterfly-motif masks serve to spread awareness and spark important conversations around breast health.
Additionally, they provide guidance for life after treatment, creating a comprehensive support network for those battling breast cancer.
Behind BCWA stands a team of courageous breast cancer survivors who runs the executive committee out of their deep personal conviction to support and give back to the community after overcoming breast cancer.
BCWA president Kim Lim was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, back in August 2020.
Lim went through a challenging seven-month journey with lumpectomy surgery followed by 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiotherapy.
In sharing her experience, Lim said, “Be self-aware of your own body. Be breast aware. Don’t be afraid to take action.
“You don’t have to fight this alone. At BCWA, we journey alongside women with breast cancer, offering friendship, activities, counselling and essential items such as mastectomy bra, breast prosthesis and wigs.”
Lim’s advice to all women is to do a monthly self-check that takes only a few minutes in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
“Should you detect any unusual lumps, make an appointment immediately with a breast surgeon for check-up. Breast cancer, if detected early, has a high chance of recovery.
“Also, check your insurance to ensure it covers critical illnesses. Insurance avails option of treatments that can be activated on an urgent basis to save your life.”
Naliza Fahro Rozi, or fondly known as Nal, is BCWA vice-president and also a breast cancer survivor.
She fought a courageous 18-month battle involving mastectomy surgery, 16 cycles of chemotherapy and 18 cycles of targeted oral chemotherapy.
During the course of treatment, BCWA supported her with wig, breast prosthesis and counselling.
“Regardless if you are facing sicknesses or a challenging situation, stay positive and work it out step by step,” said Nal.
She added, “Insurance enabled me to start my treatment urgently at a private hospital.
“During the movement control order, public hospitals were unable to accept new cancer cases. I was told to wait six months or longer with an aggressive cancer raging inside.
“Thankfully, I had insurance which enabled me to start treatment at a private hospital. I cannot imagine where would I be today if I had to wait.”
Go to https://www.youtube.com/@medicosmy to watch the full interviews.
Medicos HydroCharge Limited Edition (RM25 per box) is available online at the Medicos Official Store or selected Watsons stores.
RM5 from each purchase goes towards BCWA. You may also contribute directly to BCWA at www.breastcancer.org.my
