National Cancer Society sets record for most breast cancer screenings in a campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: Breast cancer remains one of the deadliest silent killers around the world, and it is the most prevalent type of cancer in Malaysia.

However, with the help of the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Malaysia has made a historical milestone after successfully conducting 6,600 breast cancer screenings within a month as part of its Pink Unity 6600 Campaign to commemorate 66 years of Malaysia's independence.

The screenings ran from Oct 4 to Nov 4 and were inducted in the Malaysia Book of Records for 'Conducting the Most Breast Cancer Screenings in a Campaign' during the closing ceremony on Sunday (Nov 5).

Various screening methods were used during the campaign, which included Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), Mammogram, Ultrasound Breast and handheld breast screening medical device I-Breast at various locations throughout the country.

National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) managing director Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said introducing I-Breast into several clinics earlier in August was crucial for giving Malaysians an early warning indicator.

"Over 50% of Malaysian cancer patients are detected after it has reached stage 3 or 4, which is too late for treatment in some cases.

"This is because Malaysians are notoriously hard to convince, even more so when it comes to spending money on voluntary full health screenings at hospitals. But with I-Breast, detecting breast cancer will not only be cheaper but more convenient for the women as they can get themselves screened for breast cancer at local clinics," he said in his speech at the event.

Attending the event was Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, who praised the programme's accomplishment.

"Cancer is one of the many health issues that has among the highest potential of forcibly retiring people from the workforce, especially if it's detected in its late stages.

"But with this campaign, women around the country have been given the proactive option they need to not only protect their health but to continue their careers by detecting and treating potential cancers early," he said.

Wan-Amir Jeffrey, the commercial chief executive officer of local pharmaceutical company Duopharma Biotech Bhd, which is commercialising and distributing I-Breast to local clinics around Malaysia, said they were hoping to expand the number of clinics equipped with the device from 48 currently to over 100 around the country by July next year.