'More mammography machines needed'
Published on: Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The Kinabalu Pink Ribbon called on the authorities to provide mammography machines in main hospitals in the State particularly in the rural areas so women can get early breast cancer detection.Its President, Natrah Datuk Mohd Arif, said early detection is key to fighting the disease which, according to statistics, is suffered by one in 19 women.However she said without the machines available in hospitals near their respective areas, women especially those in remote areas will have to travel to the city for the service and in most cases they would not mainly due to economic hardship.ADVERTISEMENT "We learned from our recent breast cancer awareness campaign in Keningau how remote it was for a woman to go to the hospital for clinical screening or treatment. And to do a mammography examination, her only choice was to travel to Kota Kinabalu for the service because the equipment is only available at city hospitals including one in Sandakan," she said."All these early detection screening or treatment barriers are put-offs for most rural women due to economic hardship."Natrah also said that there is a need for free mammogram including financial support for screening to be readily made available."As prevention and early detection are key to fighting breast cancer, every effort by the authorities must be done to provide mammography machines in main hospitals in others parts of Sabah," she said.ADVERTISEMENT She said on the part of the association, it will continue to lead the fight by increasing public awareness and provide one-on-one support for those diagnosed with breast cancer including outreach programmes and visits to rural districts in the State."We will continue to spread the message that early detection saves lives, to educate women on breast health, to provide patient support and hand over small amount of welfare funds to patients in the low-income group.
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Funds are required for these activities," she added.In relation to this, she announced that Kinabalu Pink Ribbon will be organising a Mother's Day Walk Abreast 2016 on May 8 to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for its activities.She said based on the good number of participation in previous years, the association hopes to have about 5,000 this year which would send a strong message on breast cancer.One return air ticket to Turkey awaits the grand prize winner in a lucky draw that day which also includes 30 exciting prizes like television set, handphone and other electrical items.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Interested participants can register through email at [email protected], online banking to Kinabalu Pink Ribbon – Public Bank account no. 3197 319318 or visit its office at 2nd floor of Wisma Wanita at Tuaran Road. The association can also be contacted at 088-216237 or 016 845 4512 (Lily) and 016-803 8553.