Everywhere you looked, it was pink – in the form of ribbons, shirts and even vendor stalls.
This was Pink ESG Wellness Campaign 2026 at Pavilion Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur, held in conjunction with Pink October, the global breast cancer awareness month.
Guest-of-honour Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail shared with the audience her experience as well as the heartbreak of losing a junior colleague to breast cancer in her younger years.
“At one point, I also discovered a nodule. At first, there was a sense of denial – perhaps it would simply go away.
“But please believe me when I say this: go and get it checked.
“Luckily, mine turned out not to be serious,” said the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“However, the experience reminded me that breast cancer can affect anyone.”
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Bandar Tun Razak MP and former deputy prime minister, stressed the importance of early screening when it came to combating the disease.
“What matters is that we seek a solution and obtain treatment as early as possible. Do not delay, because when a diagnosis comes late, treatment becomes much more difficult and complications may arise.
“Screening enables treatment to be given as quickly as possible, improves the chances of recovery and helps patients return to their normal lives,” she added.
Sharing a memory about her late colleague, Dr Wan Azizah recalled how while her colleague was breastfeeding, the baby refused to feed from one side.
“She did not realise that something might be wrong until much later, when she was diagnosed with cancer. By then, it was already advanced.
“I share this story to remind all women: please be aware of your own bodies.
“Check yourself. If you notice something unusual, seek medical advice.
“This is something within your ability to monitor, manage and treat early.
“Once we delay for too long, we may have already missed the best window for treatment,” she said.
In her speech, she highlighted the need to bring screening services closer to women, through outreach programmes and convenient access points.
“We can also learn from countries like Sweden, where annual screening is a normal practice.
“In Japan, employers ensure female employees are given time and facilities to undergo examinations.
“Both countries have significantly reduced breast cancer mortality rates through these efforts,” she highlighted.
Organised by Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), the campaign aimed to raise awareness, expand access to treatment and provide support for breast cancer patients, particularly those from the B40 group.
Elements of its focus was the B40 Breast Cancer Diagnostic Fund under UMMC Care, B40 Robotic-Assisted Breast Surgery Fund and psychosocial support through UMMC Candy Girls Breast Cancer Support Group.
In his speech, UMMC Clinical Services (Surgical) deputy director Prof Dr Nor’azim Mohd Yunos said the fundraising drive, from Sept 15 to Oct 15, received support from 55 sponsors and contributing partners, with total cash donations amounting to RM417,080.
“The message is clear: every woman should have the opportunity to receive timely breast cancer assessment and diagnosis, regardless of her financial circumstances,” he said.
Breast cancer survivor and Candy Girls member Marudhay Tangavelu, 65, said that after her diagnosis, she stayed active and surrounded herself with supportive people.
She still goes hiking, attends dance sessions and practises Chinese ink painting, even teaches the art to others.
“These activities are my therapy. I enjoy my life. I join many cancer support groups and clubs, and that makes me happy.
“We should not keep thinking about the things that make us unhappy, or keep telling ourselves that we are sick,” she said.
Marudhay believes emotional well-being plays an important role in coping with cancer.
While she acknowledges that a diagnosis can be frightening, she said dwelling in sorrow and depression could make the journey more difficult.
PPUM also received a RM30,000 donation towards the B40 Breast Cancer Diagnostic Fund from InNature Bhd, which oversees operations of The Body Shop in Malaysia, handed over by executive director Dexter Foong.
Present at the event were UMMC deputy director of professional/clinical services Nur Azrida Azhari Wasi, UMMC consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon Professor Dr See Mee Hoong and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer of retail Datuk Joyce Yap.
