Pink It Up! Programme Rallies Community Behind Breast Health Awareness
KUCHING: Corporate partners, cancer advocacy organisations, survivors, content creators and members of the public came together to promote breast health awareness, early detection and community support for those affected by breast cancer.
They were gathered on Saturday at the Pink It Up! Breast Cancer Awareness Programme 2026 at tHe Spring Shopping Mall in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Speaking when officiating at the event, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said awareness of breast cancer must go beyond October and stressed the importance of early detection and timely medical attention.
"Early detection saves lives, and a simple reminder today could make a life-changing difference tomorrow," she said.
She noted that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, with a significant proportion of cases detected at advanced stages.
She encouraged women to be familiar with their bodies, recognise unusual breast changes and seek medical advice promptly while also urged to undergo breast screening appropriate to their age, risk factors and medical advice.
Dato Sri Fatimah also paid tribute to breast cancer survivors for their courage, resilience and determination. She said a cancer diagnosis does not define a person's life, and survivors deserve continued encouragement, understanding and support.
She called for a caring and inclusive community where those affected by cancer do not have to face their challenges alone.
"Emotional encouragement, practical assistance and meaningful social connections, can make a significant difference to patients and their families," she said.
The programme also featured pickleball activities, which showed how physical activity can encourage healthier lifestyles, promote social interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
Dato Sri Fatimah thanked celebrity pickleball coach Toi Sui Ee from FRIDAY Pickleball and also Skechers Malaysia Ambassador, for contributing her passion and expertise.
She also thanked the content creators who took part, saying their involvement could extend the awareness message to wider audiences, particularly younger people.
Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to support the Pink It Up! pin campaign which is available throughout October at the Concierge on the Ground Floor of tHe Spring Kuching.
Proceeds will be shared between the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness (SCAN) Kuching and the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) to support their work in assisting patients, survivors and their families.
Other activities included a donation drive beside the tribute wall and a Zumba in Pink session at tHe Heat.
Also present were tHe Spring Kuching Executive Director Datin Christine Ling, Deputy Centre Manager Lisbet Ling, SBCSG Vice-President Catherine Yong, SCAN Kuching Advisor Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain, breast cancer survivors, corporate partners, tenants and content creators. -UKASnews
