IN a bid to create a greener, safer and healthier state, the Penang government has constantly encouraged women to undergo the mammogram screening programme.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said women aged above 35, were encouraged to take part in the free programme registered under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
He said the collaboration programme between the state and LPPKN, which began in March this year, had successfully enrolled 1,565 women aged 35 and above.
“Over 50% of the women who had registered have undergone the mammogram screening, with some 1% of them being referred to hospitals or medical centres.
“The Penang government is keen on raising awareness and encouraging more women to undergo mammogram screening through the state’s initiative,” he said in his speech after attending the ‘Pink October’ event by Gleneagles Hospital Penang in Gurney Plaza today.
The yearly event, held in conjunction with the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was one of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
Its aim was to educate the community, mainly women, on the importance of early detection and preventive care solutions.
“It is good to have screening tests as advised by the doctors.
“The battle against breast cancer is not solely the responsibility of the government. Everyone needs to play their role and show their support towards combating breast cancer,” he added.
He said that The ‘Pink October’ campaign was extremely significant in helping the public to be more aware of the early detection of breast cancer at an early age.
Gleaneagles Hospital Penang director Datuk Dr Lai Yoon Kee, who was present, concurred with Chow.
“We have long been a fervent promoter of breast cancer awareness. According to a report by the National Cancer Registry of Malaysia, one in 20 people can be affected.
“That is why creating awareness must continue,” he said.
Also present was Gleaneagles Hospital Penang senior marketing manager Ai Leen Foo.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud