GEORGE TOWN: When doctors removed a cancerous lump from her breast in 1998, Lynda Yeoh thought the worst was over.
Twenty-three years later, cancer changed her life once again, bringing her another battle that involved chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy.
Yeoh, a retired bank officer, remembers losing all her hair in 2021.
“While many might feel self-conscious about it, I decided to embrace my baldness.
“I dressed up and wore make-up and chunky earrings to celebrate being alive,” she recalled.
Having battled breast cancer twice, Yeoh, 67, is now sharing her story to raise awareness about the disease and encourage others to face it with courage.
“I want people to know they are not alone. You must be kind to yourself as your body changes.
“Sometimes people are conscious about their appearance, but you should embrace the changes as your body fights to keep you alive,” she said.
She also urged women to go for regular screenings, stressing that early detection can make a difference.
“Go for your mammogram yearly, as early detection makes a difference.
“Family history is also an indicator. My grandmother, two sisters and a niece have had cancer as well,” she said when met at the Spin for Charity 2.0: Ride Pink, Give Hope fundraising event at Straits Quay here on Sunday.
Nurse Imelda Jee, 46, was there to support her friends who are breast cancer survivors.
“As a nurse, I see cancer patients daily. Having friends who have been through it, I want to show my support.
“Many still avoid discussing cancer or consider it a sensitive topic. Awareness can only grow when we speak openly about it.
“I make sure to go for regular check-ups, including mammograms,” she said.
She added that more women should prioritise cancer screening, noting that while many regularly monitor conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, cancer screening is often overlooked.
“Early detection can make a huge difference,” she added.
The charity event, organised by Penang Adventist Hospital, drew about 200 participants, including cancer survivors, for outdoor cycling sessions, health screenings and breast cancer awareness activities.
Penang Island City councillor Koay Gaik Kee said raising breast cancer awareness is crucial.
“People are often afraid to get checked because they fear receiving bad news or do not know where to seek help.
“Events like this provide a platform to educate the community, raise funds and encourage open conversations about breast cancer,” she said.
The event, organised by Penang Adventist Hospital, raised RM319,254 for its cancer fund.
The hospital’s president and chief executive officer Albin Phua said the event was held in conjunction with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
He said the hospital’s cancer fund provides free or subsidised medical assistance to cancer patients.
