Knowledge, early detection crucial for prevention of breast cancer

SIBU (Oct 10): The World Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about supporting those who are fighting the disease but also to educate the public on breast cancer prevention and early detection.

In stating this, University Technology Sarawak (UTS) Women’s Association chairperson Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain highlighted the importance of having routine screening and knowledge about the early signs of breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is an important health issue that affects every layer of the society, and all of us, both men and women, need to go for regular check-ups and have the knowledge about breast cancer,” she said when launching the Breast Cancer Awareness programme at the UTS Academic Resource Centre (ARC) here today.

“With knowledge, we can reduce the risk and increase the chance of detecting this disease at an early stage where treatment is more effective,” shared Dayang Mariani, who herself was a breast cancer survivor for the past 14 years.

The programme was organised by ARC in collaboration with UTS Women’s Association and the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness (SCAN).

Dayang Mariani, who is also SCAN advisor, thus called for a collective effort to spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early screening, as well as to provide support to those in need.

Head of Breast Surgeon and SCAN health advisor Dr Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali delivered a talk at the event prior to a sharing session by SCAN breast cancer survivors.

Present to support the event were UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid and Sibu Hospital deputy director Dr Nizam Ishak.