Free tests for single mums

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Keeping single mothers in mind, Wanita MCA will conduct free mammogram and pap smear tests for them.
Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen told a press conference: “This event aims to create awareness among women, especially single mothers, on the importance of regular medical check-ups, as well as educating them on breast and cervix cancer.”
Breast and cervix cancer afflict women on a large scale; the former the number one cancer killer of Malaysian women, and the latter the number two cancer killer among women worldwide.
Ng said cancer patients could achieve 100% recovery if the illness was detected early.
“Sometimes, single mothers neglect their health because they are too busy or the medical fees are too high. In such cases, treatments are delayed,” she said.
Ng added that the number of single mothers was on the rise and their ages were getting younger. Therefore, over the next two years, Wanita MCA will be focusing on various projects to help them.
“We want to provide as much support as possible for them in three areas, which are skills-building, parenting and information access,” she said.
“There are about 29,000 Chinese single mothers in Malaysia. We wish to provide platforms for them to meet and share ideas through single mother clubs nationwide.”
Ng also said that a mother-children camp would be organised to bridge the communication gap between single mothers and their children.
The free mammogram and pap smear tests, an effort under Wanita MCA Project Care, is jointly organised by the Wanita MCA Health Bureau, Wanita MCA’s Multi-purpose Training Centre and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
However, certain criteria have to be met. They are free for single mothers above 40 years old, with a monthly income of less than RM1,200 and who have never had mammogram and pap smear tests before.
It is on a first-come-first- served basis for 100 single mothers of all races. Therefore, early booking is required.
Comprising of three sessions – April 15, May 20 and June 24 (Saturdays, 9am onwards) – the tests will take place at the Women’s Cancer Detection & Breast Clinic, 66, Jln Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.
Each session will cater for about 30 participants. For bookings, contact Wanita MCA Secretariat at 03-2161 8044 or Health Bureau Chief Gina Goh at 03-7726 5808 on weekdays from 10am to 5pm.