Sarawak Women Urged To Prioritise Early Detection Of Breast Cancer
KUCHING: Women are urged to prioritise their health by recognising changes in their breasts and seeking timely medical examinations to improve the chances of early breast cancer detection and effective treatment.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said early detection remained crucial in addressing breast cancer, particularly cases diagnosed only when the disease had reached an advanced stage.
Speaking at the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign “Pink October” at Emart Tabuan Jaya on Sunday, she encouraged women to seek professional medical advice if they noticed unusual lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin or nipple changes, or unusual nipple discharge.
“Do not wait until you experience pain or until the symptoms become serious. If you notice any suspicious changes, seek medical attention promptly,” she said.
Dato Sri Fatimah said awareness campaigns must go beyond wearing pink or organising activities during October, stressing that the most important outcome was translating awareness into action through early detection, appropriate treatment and continued support for patients.
She cited figures shared during Pink Blue Walk 2026, which recorded 2,995 new cancer cases in Sarawak in 2025, including 476 breast cancer cases and 471 colorectal cancer cases.
She also called for greater efforts to ensure women in rural and remote areas have access to screening and treatment, noting that distance, travel costs, family responsibilities and fear should not prevent them from seeking medical care.
Dato Sri Fatimah expressed appreciation to healthcare personnel, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), volunteers and support groups, including the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) and SCAN Kuching, for assisting patients, survivors and their families.
On the Sarawak Government’s commitment to strengthening cancer care, Fatimah highlighted the RM20 million allocation for 2027 for the implementation of the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kuching, under the overall estimated project cost of RM1.5 billion, as announced in the Sarawak Budget 2027.
She said improved treatment facilities must be complemented by health education, early detection and stronger collaboration among the government, corporate sector, NGOs and communities.
Dato Sri Fatimah also commended Emart Tabuan Jaya for using its business platform to bring important health messages closer to the public, describing such initiatives as valuable contributions towards community wellbeing.
Among those present were Emart Head of Group HR and Administration Yeo Siew Chin, Emart Tabuan Jaya Outlet Person-in-Charge Chee Mei Ling, and Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group President Datin Juriah Sulehan, alongside representatives from government departments and agencies, NGOs, Emart management, volunteers and members of the media. - UKASnews
