KUCHING: Sarawak has the highest number of women suffering from cervical cancer, Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah revealed today.
She added if early steps are taken, diseases like cervical cancer can be completely eliminated and preventable.
“Since the government has already embarked on its effort by providing cervical cancer vaccination to women aged 15 years and above, we hope that our commitment to organise early diagnosis and screening programmes can help reduce the number of cancer patients.
“To support this commitment, we also need to create awareness on the matter among the community, especially those residing in rural areas who do not have enough access to medical facilities and services,” she said.
She was speaking at a press conference after receiving a courtesy visit from the Pink & Teal EmpowHer team at Baitulmakmur Building II here today.
While pointing out that the rural areas have more advanced cases of cervical cancer compared to those in the urban areas, Fatimah stressed that the issue needs to be rectified as soon as possible.
Fatimah said the state government along with non-governmental organisations, and the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (O&G) Department of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) had collaborated to come up with a community project called Project SUARA (Sarawak Urban and Rural Action for cervical cancer prevention).
“The mobile clinic (mounted on a bus) aims to increase the coverage of cancer screening and reduce diagnosis through early detection and provide those diagnosed with cancer the chance for early treatment.
“The beauty of this mobile clinic is that everything, including its equipment, is portable. Even if there are areas that are not accessible by the mobile clinic, the equipment can be stripped off and carried to their destination.
Apart from its portability, the mobile clinic is battery powered and is able to generate its own electricity in case there is no electric supply in the area.
For the record, the mobile clinic which is currently 80 per cent complete will be making its first sneak peek at the Tutu Run & High Heel Dash Run on May 14 at Saradise Edge.
