Latest news with #PinkRibbonProgramme
Daily Express
2 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data is available for Sabah, and the only statistics provided by the Ministry of Health date back to 2016, which are outdated and limit the ability to track progress or changes accurately.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
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
MoU to boost cancer care in Sabah
Dr Dzulkefly speaking to the media. KOTA KINABALU (June 12): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM) and six hospitals in Sabah today to enhance cancer treatment and support services under the Pink Ribbon Programme, also known as the Enhanced Patient Navigation Programme. Federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who witnessed the signing, said the hospitals involved are the Women and Children's Hospital, Tawau Hospital, Duchess of Kent Hospital, Keningau Hospital, Beaufort Hospital and Kota Marudu Hospital. He described the programme as a major step forward in patient care, offering a system where cancer patients are continuously guided and monitored throughout their treatment journey. 'I was informed that the default rate used to be around 20%, but now it is almost zero, which means patients are complying with treatment and returning for follow-ups. This is an achievement we can be proud of,' Dr Dzulkefly told reporters at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II. He was present for the handing-over ceremony of 100 hemodialysis machines from the Sabah Government, represented by Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib, who is also responsible for health matters in the state. Dr Dzulkefly emphasized that the Pink Ribbon initiative goes beyond standard navigation systems, calling it an 'enhanced' service that has delivered excellent outcomes in preventing patients from defaulting on their treatments. In a separate development, Dr Dzulkefly also briefed the media on his earlier meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Describing it as a meaningful engagement, he said the discussion focused on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and included an explanation of five sub-committees addressing related issues. 'We presented our plans, recommendations, and proposals in detail, which were received by the Ministry of Health in Putrajaya and my ministry. One of the proposals includes a funding allocation of nearly RM4 billion for the year 2030,' he said. The goal, he added, is to close service delivery gaps across all 23 to 24 government hospitals in Sabah. He also revealed that discussions were held about lifting the freeze on rural doctors' allowances in Sabah and Sarawak. 'That issue was raised, and we are taking it seriously. We will table it at the upcoming post-cabinet meeting for further discussion and follow-up. I'm confident it will be given due consideration,' he said. In addition, Dr Dzulkefly addressed developments concerning the proposed upgrade of the Heart Centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II. He confirmed that preliminary work has begun, and discussions are ongoing, including land matters raised by the Chief Minister. 'We still have several key objectives to meet, but we are committed to doing our best, God willing,' he said.
