DALAT: Awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer must continue to be strengthened to encourage more women to undergo health screenings, thereby improving their chances of receiving more effective treatment.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said access to quality healthcare services must continue to be expanded to ensure that their benefits reach all segments of society, including rural communities.

According to her, the encouraging response received throughout the Breast Cancer and HPV DNA Screening Programme demonstrates a growing level of public awareness regarding the importance of healthcare and disease prevention.

She said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Breast Cancer and HPV DNA Screening Programme held at the Kampung Sungai Kut Muara Futsal Court in Dalat on Monday.

She noted that breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in Malaysia, yet many patients only seek treatment when the disease has reached an advanced stage.

“This situation reduces the chances of patients receiving more effective treatment. Therefore, efforts to promote early detection through screening programmes must continue to be strengthened,” she said.

At the same time, she said the outreach initiatives carried out by the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) are crucial in ensuring that women, particularly those in rural areas, have easier access to health information, clinical breast examinations and early screening services.

Touching on cervical cancer, she said the disease remains a serious threat to women and that Sarawak is among the states recording a high incidence rate of cervical cancer in the country.

She added that HPV DNA screening is an important method of early detection, while also helping women better understand their health risks and take appropriate preventive measures.

She also urged women not to neglect their health and to make regular health check-ups a routine practice for the wellbeing of their families and loved ones.

At the same event, she expressed her appreciation to healthcare personnel from the Dalat Maternal and Child Health Clinic and the Mukah Divisional Health Office for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of the programme.

According to her, close collaboration among non-governmental organisations, health agencies and the Sarawak Government must continue to be strengthened to expand awareness and early disease detection programmes among the public.

She also conveyed her appreciation to the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) for its continued role in raising public awareness of breast cancer through various health education programmes, awareness campaigns and patient support initiatives. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng