(L to R) Dr Ng Char Hong; Consultant Breast & Breast Reconstructive Surgeon, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har; Consultant Breast Surgeon & Dr Normayah Kitan; Consultant Breast & Endocrine Surgeon
In conjunction with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pink October Month), Hospital Picaso rolls out its month-long community awareness campaign themed “Think Pink” – featuring various initiatives to raise awareness on the importance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The campaign slogan was conceptualised for its’ brevity, making it an effective message for raising awareness. “Think” implies mindfulness, urging people to reflect on breast cancer prevention and encourages Malaysians to participate in awareness events whether it’s through education, donation or partaking in awareness events.
Encik Ahmad Lutfi, General Manager of Hospital Picaso said through the “Think Pink” events, the hospital aims to provide more opportunities for the public to learn about the realities of breast cancer while bolstering general health and well-being for the public and promoting the spirit of caring and support amongst the community.
A report from the Malaysia National Cancer Registry covering the period from 2017 to 2021 revealed that approximately 17.6% of all cancer cases diagnosed in the country are breast cancer. This makes breast cancer one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Malaysia, underscoring the critical need for awareness, early detection and comprehensive care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females. From 2017 to 2021, starting at age 40, a greater incidence rate is observed compared to 2012 to 2016, particularly in the 65 to 69 age group.
Hospital Picaso is home to three breast surgeons: Dr Normayah Kitan, Dr Ng Char Hong and Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har. At the recent private launch of the Breast and Womens’ Health Centre in Hospital Picaso, the three doctors emphasised that early detection and awareness are critical, as studies have shown that survival rates are significantly higher when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. The importance of monthly breast self-exams and annual health screenings are highly encouraged to reduce the disease burden on Malaysian women and their families.
One of the community events organised by Hospital Picaso recently is fundraiser baking event for the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA). The event, themed “Whisk for Wellness,” featured a health talk and a fun baking session, with all proceeds being channeled to aid BCWA.
Recently, Hospital Picaso conducted a Breast Cancer workshop with more than 80 participants comprising of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and trainees. With keynote speakers from doctors of Hospital Picaso, the session aimed to update on research and advancements in diagnosis and staging of early breast cancer from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Hospital Picaso will be organising a one-day community engagement event on October 27 which aims to promote awareness of an active and healthy lifestyle and effective ways to manage breast cancer. The event offers a plethora of activities including a breast cancer talk, health screening and breast examination conducted by Can-care (a post cancer care service centre which helps breast cancer patients cope with the after-effects of treatments). The highlight of the day will be an interactive and therapeutic yoga session and a matcha latte-making workshop. Every participant is entitled to a goodie bag which includes a yoga mat and pink-compressed towel. Admission to the event is RM20.
“We are committed to combating breast cancer as one of the most debilitating diseases in the country. Our mission revolves largely around building women’s health which enhances their physical, mental and emotional aspects – at every stage of their journey,” said Lutfi.
To join the yoga session for the “Think Pink” community day on October 27, you may click this link to sign up https://bit.ly/picasothinkpink . For further enquiries, please contact Siti Maryam at 013-928 1996 or Charmian Kok at 016-815 3309.
For more information on Hospital Picaso, visit www.hospitalpicaso.com or https://www.facebook.com/hospitalpicaso/
