Latest news with #KinabaluPinkRibbon
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Malaysian breast cancer cases doubled: Expert
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 By: Lorena Binisol Text Size: Panel of speakers at the Breast Cancer Wellness campaign. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia is seeing a worrying rise in breast cancer cases, especially those detected at late stages. Health experts and advocates are urging for stronger awareness and better screening efforts to help save lives. This was conveyed at the 2025 Breast Health and Wellness Campaign held at Horizon Hotel, here. Kapayan assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang officiated the event, which was jointly organised by the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation and Kinabalu Pink Ribbon. Advertisement Leading the call to action was Datuk Dr. M. Devanand, consultant breast surgeon and founder of the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation, who said breast cancer cases have increased from 3,000 a year two decades ago to 8,400 today. Even more concerning, nearly 48 per cent of cases are diagnosed at stage 3 or stage 4, when treatment becomes more difficult and survival rates drop. He said that late-stage detection has risen from 43 per cent to 53 per cent over the past 20 years, based on data from the Ministry of Health. 'Despite all efforts, we're still not preventing enough cases or detecting them early,' he said. Advertisement While breast cancer deaths have slightly decreased, the number of late detections remains high. It's estimated that at least seven women die from breast cancer every day in Malaysia, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. It was noted no current data is available for Sabah, and the only statistics provided by the Ministry of Health date back to 2016, which are outdated and limit the ability to track progress or changes accurately. Dr. Devanand highlighted that early-stage breast cancer is easier and more affordable to treat, with a survival rate close to 99 per cent or even 100 per cent. However, when diagnosed at stage 3 or stage 4, treatment becomes not only costly and complex but also emotionally overwhelming for patients, many begin to lose hope. 'This is where organisations like the Pink Ribbon Foundation and Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (KPR) play a critical role. We offer not just assistance but emotional strength, guidance and survivorship support to help women reclaim their will to fight,' he said. He also stressed that daily lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and personal hygiene can greatly influence outcomes. 'Simple everyday habits can have a real impact in reducing risk,' he added. The Pink Ribbon Programme is focusing on education and community outreach. The programme encourages routine mammograms for women aged 40 and above and ultrasound screenings for younger women. It also teaches people about breast cancer risks and symptoms to help catch the disease earlier. The campaign also supports survivors, helping them learn how to live well after diagnosis. 'Education is our strongest tool. The risk isn't going away, but with early detection and proper care, we can change the outcome,' he said. Lasimbang, who is a breast cancer survivor, spoke about the importance of supporting women's health. 'We must never forget the strength and courage of breast cancer fighters. They are symbols of hope,' she said. She praised the efforts of the Pink Ribbon Foundation and KPR for handing out RM350 in financial aid to 20 patients, helping ease the cost of treatment. As a policymaker, she promised to keep fighting for better health policies for women, especially in rural and underserved areas. She also highlighted the important role of NGOs as partners in improving healthcare access. Among those present were Dato' Dr Ibrahim Wahid, oncology specialist and council member of the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation, Assunta Carolina Antonysamy, council member, Laura Pua, foundation official, Datin Lucilla Pang, founder of KPR, Yong Lee Lee, founder and honorary CEO of the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation, Christy Fe Salazar, president of KPR, Yvonne Dumpangol, vice president and breast cancer survivors from across Sabah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Over 800 take part in breast cancer awareness walk
Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Over 800 participants took part in the 13th Mother's Day Walk Abreast 2025 organised by Kinabalu Pink Ribbon, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting patients and survivors across Sabah. The annual event, themed 'Walk for Life, Walk for Hope,' was also attended by the wife of the Sabah Chief Minister and President of MUTIARA-GRS, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, who joined the 10-kilometre walk in solidarity with cancer fighters. Organising Chairperson Jacqueline John said the program was more than a recreational activity—it symbolised support and strength for all women affected by the disease. 'Our main objective is to convey the message that patients and survivors are not alone in their fight. They have a community that supports and understands the challenges they face,' she said when met by the media after the flag-off ceremony at Taman Awam Teluk Likas on Sunday. According to Jacqueline, Kinabalu Pink Ribbon consistently conducts awareness programs throughout Sabah, including in Tawau, Keningau, and Tuaran, in collaboration with medical experts from Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Universiti Malaysia Sabah Hospital (UMS). She also announced that a charity dinner event, Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon Charity Dance Dinner, will be held on June 7 at the Putra Ballroom to raise RM12,000 for the purchase of a Lymphedema machine. 'This machine is crucial in helping survivors who suffer from arm swelling due to lymph node removal. Currently, there is no such machine in Sabah, and we hope to make this purchase a reality,' she said. Jacqueline added that Kinabalu Pink Ribbon now has over 500 members, the majority of whom are breast cancer patients and survivors. She also urged women to undergo regular health screenings, noting that breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among women in Malaysia, with statistics showing that 1 in 19 women is at risk. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Over 800 take part in Mother's Day Walk Abreast
Juliah (center) holding an inspirational poster in support of the program, alongside Jannie (fourth from right) and MUTIARA-GRS members.–Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 4): Over 800 participants joined the 13th Mother's Day Walk Abreast 2025 program organized by Kinabalu Pink Ribbon in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and support patients and survivors in Sabah. The annual event, themed 'Walk for Life, Walk for Hope,' was also attended by the wife of the Sabah Chief Minister and chairperson of MUTIARA-GRS, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, who participated in the 10-kilometer walk as a show of solidarity with cancer fighters. Organizing vhairperson Jacqueline John said the program was not just a recreational event but a symbol of support and strength for all women affected by the disease. 'Our main objective is to convey the message that patients and survivors are not alone in their fight. They have a community that constantly supports and understands the challenges they face,' she said when met by the media after the participant send-off ceremony at Teluk Likas Public Park on Sunday. According to Jacqueline, Kinabalu Pink Ribbon has consistently conducted awareness programs across Sabah, including in Tawau, Keningau and Tuaran, in collaboration with medical specialists from Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Hospital. She also announced that the Sabah Kinabalu Pink Ribbon Charity Dance Dinner, will be held on June 7 at Putra Ballroom to raise funds for the purchase of a RM12,000 Lymphedema machine. 'This machine is crucial in helping survivors who experience arm swelling due to lymph node removal. Currently, there is no such machine in Sabah, and we hope to make this purchase a reality,' she explained. She added that Kinabalu Pink Ribbon now has over 500 members, most of whom are breast cancer patients and survivors. Jacqueline also urged women to undergo regular health check-ups, as breast cancer remains the leading killer of women in the country, with statistics showing that one in 19 women are at risk of developing the disease. Also present were KPD (Koperasi Pembangunan Desa) chairperson and Kepayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang; Kinabalu Pink Ribbon president, Christy Fe Salazar; and members of MUTIARA-GRS.
