KUCHING: Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) in collaboration with Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) has successfully conducted another breast cancer health screening outreach programme at Sg Kut Dalat on June 1, 2023.
The programme which coincided with the Pesta Kaul saw almost 100 residents turning up at the Sg Kut community hall to check their health status.
The event was officiated at by Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. Nurses from Klinik Kesihatan Dalat facilitated at the health screening, examining the residents for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol while Datuk Dr Zulkifli Jantan, a former state health department director provided diagnosis and general health counselling to those who came for check-up.
Women with abnormal breast findings via clinical breast examination were examined for better precision using a portable hand-held ultrasound machine donated by the Church of Later Day Saints.
“This specialised diagnosis was performed by Dr Sharifah Ashina Wan Ali, a breast surgeon from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH),” said SCAN in a press release yesterday.
During the event, SCAN’s advisor, Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain had an interactive session with the women present when she shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor while Dr Sharifah Ashrina also gave a presentation on breast cancer and breast health to those present.
As part of its advocacy work, SCAN also documented the project to highlight the gaps and challenges faced by the marginalised populations.
Five breast cancer survivors and two caregivers were interviewed and shared their experiences when diagnosed with breast cancer.
Most of the survivors were diagnosed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented under the COVID-19 pandemic and they shared the delay they faced in receiving treatment during those times.
“The caregivers interviewed also shared their challenges with regards to financial aid and logistic issues which required them to take unpaid leave to accompany their spouses during treatment,” SCAN said.
SCAN said the interviews and video presentation will be shared on various international platforms to highlight the cancer care gaps faced by various indigenous communities of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, SCAN said that the outreach programme was a success and the team is already preparing for the next outreach at Rumah Untang, Ulu Kapit at the end of July, raising awareness of cancer and providing vital support and advice to those in need.
