Materia Medica Malaysiana

Self-examination way to beat breast cancer

Despite strong evidence that women in the initial stages of breast cancer can be saved, many still don't practise regular breast self-examination.
Only three to five per cent of Malaysian women do.
Pantai Medical Centre (PMC) consultant general surgeon Dr M. Devanand said the chance of recovery from breast cancer could be significantly improved if the disease is detected early.
"We have all the equipment needed. What we lack is awareness," he said.
Most Malaysian women are said to be suffering breast cancer at an earlier age than women in the West, and they succumb to it as they don't seek early treatment.
Dr Devanand advised women above 20 years old to perform breast self-examination regularly while those above 40 should go for an annual examination by healthcare providers.
He was talking to reporters after a cheque presentation ceremony to Hospis Malaysia yesterday. The mock cheque, amounting to RM6,378.29, was handed over to Hospis vice-chairman Peter Loh. Also present was its honorary treasurer James Menezes.