Latest news with #Hasmah
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Ditch traditional cures, prioritise early cancer detection
Dr Siti Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Women must move away from relying on traditional medicine for cancer treatment and instead prioritise professional medical care, advises Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali. Drawing from her own experience with breast cancer, she cautioned that seeking unverified treatments from traditional healers, or 'bomohs' and 'tok bidan,' only delays crucial medical intervention. "Never believe in traditional 'bomohs' or 'tok bidan' who claim they have cures for cancer. It's disheartening that many still trust these methods and dismiss professional medical advice. "The Malay community, in particular, is deeply affected by this reliance on traditional cures," she shared during a talk at Prince Court Medical Centre last week. Dr Hasmah recounted her journey overcoming breast cancer to highlight the importance of prompt medical consultation. 'It all begins with awareness and taking responsibility for our health. Women must understand that early detection not only saves lives but ensures better outcomes," she stated. She urged women to schedule annual check-ups, including mammograms and ultrasounds, as these screenings are vital for early detection. "If something feels wrong, don't ignore it. Take action immediately. A simple pain or lump could be a sign and waiting only makes things worse," she added. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily Prince Court Medical Centre Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur described that most breast cancers are painless, which can make them particularly insidious. Often, by the time symptoms appear and patients seek help, it may be too late. "Early detection through screenings like mammograms and ultrasounds is vital. These procedures are straightforward and could save countless lives," she said. Dr Hasmah also addressed the stigma surrounding breast cancer, observing that shame and fear continue to prevent women from seeking medical attention. 'Women often hesitate because the affected area is private, or they are scared of what the doctor might confirm. But if God has given us the pain, He has also given us the remedy. It is our responsibility to find that solution," she added. She commended young women who use reliable internet sources to educate themselves and confidently seek medical advice. 'There is a positive shift among the younger generation. Many are proactive, asking doctors the right questions and taking charge of their health,' she added. Reflecting on her personal battle, Dr Hasmah attributed her courage and determination to the steadfast support of her husband, former two-time Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "When the doctor brought the positive diagnosis report to my house, my husband was disappointed that I hadn't told him earlier. But he was proud of my determination to get well. His support meant the world to me," she added. Dr Hasmah passionately urged women to make their health and well-being a top priority in their lives. She emphasised the importance of overcoming fear and stigma, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. "To all women out there, don't be afraid. Seek help, get your check-ups, and take charge of your health. If you want a happy and long life with your family, fear and shame have no place in this journey," she said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Grieving family proceeds with son's wedding despite tragedy
KOTA BHARU: Although still grieving the loss of three loved ones in a road crash, Hasmah Awang, 60, and her family decided to carry on with her son's wedding, scheduled to take place today in Besut, Terengganu. She said her third child, Muhd Syafiq Abdul Rahim, 24, solemnised his marriage, accompanied by his youngest sister, Siti Zulaika, 21, and several close friends. Other family members managed the funeral arrangements for her eldest daughter, Nurul Ain Abdul Rahim, 39, as well as her granddaughter Nur Atikah Najihah Mohd Shah Penilzain, 18, and husband, Mohamad Faris Kamaluddin, 24. The three were killed in a collision involving a Perodua Myvi and an express bus on Jalan Kuala Krai-Gua Musang yesterday. 'We will hold a tahlil prayer tomorrow, which was initially planned as a reception to welcome our new daughter-in-law,' Hasmah told reporters at Kampung Kayu Rendang, Melor, here today. Hasmah and her husband, Abdul Rahim Mat Diah, 71, were unable to attend Muhd Syafiq's solemnisation ceremony as they were preparing for the burial, scheduled after Zohor prayers at the Kampung Jambu Merah Cemetery in Kota Bharu. She said the family is still awaiting the remains of Nurul Ain, while the bodies of Nur Atikah Najihah and Mohamad Faris are expected to be taken to Johor Bahru. Her other daughter, Siti Zubaidah, 37, said the family was shocked by the incident as they had planned to gather in their hometown for Muhd Syafiq's wedding celebration. 'I first heard about the accident from our youngest sister, but I didn't believe it until Syafiq himself called and showed me a photo of the car they were in,' she said.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dr M's wife beats big C
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, 98, wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, picked up the violin again after a 70-year hiatus, at the age of 86. Hasmah said she had put it aside for seven decades after marriage, having last played the violin at the age of 16. She said she found fresh inspiration when she was appointed patron of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and was invited to take part in a fundraising concert. 'At first, I said I'd sing – your voice is an instrument too!' she laughed. 'But they told me to do something different. I was 86 then. I said, 'I can't tap dance, I'm too old!' Then they brought up the violin. I said, 'No way. I haven't played in 70 years!' But they insisted. So I found a teacher,' Hasmah recounted during a forum titled 'A Cancer Survivor's Journey'. Although she can no longer read music due to poor vision, she now plays by ear and practises almost every day. 'It doesn't matter what song – Malay, Chinese, Japanese, English – just something to keep my mind happy. 'I picked up the violin again not to be perfect, but to find joy. I just want to be happy.' Her story of resilience and lifelong learning is a poignant reminder that ageing gracefully is not about how long we live, but how fully. Speaking candidly about her private battle with breast cancer, Hasmah shed light on the emotional and cultural barriers that prevent many Malaysian women, especially older ones, from seeking timely medical care. She recalled how persistent pain in her breast during an official trip to the Philippines in 2019 led to a life-saving diagnosis. She said despite being a doctor, it wasn't medical training that prompted her to get tested, it was gut instinct. 'People assume I went for check-ups because I'm a doctor. But that's not true. It was a feeling deep inside, I knew something wasn't right.' She said many women in her age group avoid seeking help out of fear or shame, often delaying critical diagnoses. 'But these feelings shouldn't hold us back. Your life is more important.' She also revealed that she kept her symptoms from her husband until she was certain of the diagnosis. 'I didn't want to trouble him until I knew for sure. It was painful, physically and emotionally. But I'm glad I acted quickly.' Her attending doctor, Prince Court Medical Centre senior consultant and breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur Perdamen shared a striking coincidence – Hasmah had officiated the hospital's intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) machine just months before becoming a patient herself. 'The irony was striking,' said Harjit. She said Hasmah had demonstrated how the IORT machine worked. 'Later, her tumour matched the ideal criteria – small, hormone-positive and no lymph node involvement. She was a perfect candidate.' Hasmah underwent surgery under a pseudonym to avoid publicity and was discharged the next day. She completed five years of hormone therapy and is now cancer-free. She urged women to take charge of their health and not ignore warning signs. 'Don't wait for pain. Don't let fear or shame silence you. 'Go for your checks. Catch it early. Don't play with your life.'
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Siti Hasmah urges women to overcome fear, embarrassment in breast cancer screenings
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's former first lady and cancer survivor, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, has urged women nationwide not to let fear or embarrassment prevent them from undergoing breast cancer screenings. She said many women, particularly older ones, avoided screenings due to shame and fear of receiving bad news, often waiting until symptoms worsened. "Some women are reluctant because these involve private parts of the body, and if the doctor is male, they won't go. "But you must get examined, even if it's by a male doctor. A professional is a professional," she said during an awareness programme at Prince Court Medical Centre, where Hasmah shared her personal journey to promote early detection. Hasmah was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2019 after experiencing persistent pain during an official visit to the Philippines. Recalling the discomfort that kept her awake at night, she said she knew something was wrong. "I couldn't stand the pain. I kept trying to ease it, but it just wouldn't go away. "I told my personal assistant to arrange an appointment with the hospital while we were still overseas," she said. Upon her return to Malaysia, she discreetly visited Prince Court Medical Centre (PCMC) without informing her husband, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "I didn't want to worry him. He was busy, and I didn't even know for sure what it was," she said. Following an ultrasound examination, her doctor recommended a biopsy, which was performed under local anaesthesia. The results, received three days later, confirmed the presence of breast cancer. "I knew it was going to be positive. But those few days waiting for confirmation were filled with anxiety. "It was only after receiving the diagnosis that I broke the news to my husband and children." Hasmah later underwent a successful surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) at PCMC, a treatment she had launched just months earlier, never expecting she would one day undergo it herself. "It was all done within an hour, and I went home the next day. I was so relieved the seven-millimetre tumour was removed and the pain was gone," she said. Now six years cancer-free, she continues her annual check-ups and urges women of all ages to do the same. "Don't wait for pain. Early detection saves lives. Modern mammogram machines are now less painful and more efficient," she said. She called on healthcare authorities to improve access to screenings, particularly for older women, and expressed hope that IORT, currently available only in select private and university hospitals, would one day be widely offered in government facilities.
