GLENEAGLES PENANG ‘PINK OCTOBER’ EVENT

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

AT GLENEAGLES PENANG ‘PINK OCTOBER’ EVENT

 

13 OCTOBER 2019,

GF, GURNEY PLAZA

 

First and foremost, I would like to thank Gleneagles Hospital Penang for having me here today, to commemorate and be a part of this meaningful ‘Pink October’ campaign which aims to raise public awareness on breast cancer and its prevention measures. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all of you who have made an effort to be present here today.

Respected members of the audience,

According to the Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival (MySCan) 2018, 41.3% of breast cancer cases presented are at the late stages (stage III & IV of cancer) despite having screening programmes available for breast cancer in the country. Also reported was that diagnosis at late stages was a significant determinant for poor cancer survival rate. Comprehending this and the fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst Malaysian females, only raises the urgency of the need to strengthen the awareness and promotion on cancer prevention and screening programme in the community.

Therefore, events such as today’s Pink October campaign is extremely significant in help the public to gain more awareness on the early detection of breast cancer at an early age. Early prevention is the answer to stopping this disease in its tracks. Prevention, early screening, testing and treatment are most important to ensure cancer patients have a higher chance of survival and even cure. The graver challenge here is to create such awareness and to get women to come forward for screening.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Penang State Government is determined to raise the awareness and encourage even more women for screening through the State’s Mammogram Initiative under ‘Program Penang Sihat’. In line with the Vision of Penang2030, the ‘Mammo Penang’ program coincides with the State Government's efforts to make Penang a state that is not only green, safe and clean but a healthy state as well. The program, which commenced in March 2019, had successfully enrolled 1,565 Penang women from the age of 35 and above for mammogram screening tests at mammogram centres registered under the National Population and Family Development BOARD (LPPKN). More than 50 percent of registered women have undergone mammogram screening with 1 percent (16) have been referred to a hospital or medical centre for further investigation. Through the state’s initiatives as such, I am greatly hopeful that it CREATES further awareness and encourages even more women to take part in such programmes for the betterment of themselves and the state at large.

Distinguished members of the audience,

I must say, I am indeed happy and greatly encouraged to see the active involvement of so many people and hospitals such as Gleneagles Hospital Penang in the activities of the Breast Cancer Awareness month. The battle against breast cancer cannot solely be the responsibility of the government, nor should it be confined to health care professionals. The campaign against breast cancer need to be brought right down to the ground level. We need to harness the active support of everyone including the voluntary organizations. Leveraging on their community links and network, they can help to increase public awareness of breast cancer, as well as help the victims and their families cope with both the medical and psycho-social aspects of the disease. From community engagement programmes like today to every small showcase of support, can make a huge difference.

While the government, health care professionals and voluntary organizations will continue to improve the infrastructure for cancer education, treatment and research, each Malaysian must also do his or her part in this battle against breast cancer. We must actively help ourselves, by adopting a healthy lifestyle, by taking food in moderation, by not smoking, by exercising regularly. We should also undergo the various screening tests for the different cancers, as and when advised by our doctors. Such habits will lower the risk against cancers in general.

In a nutshell, it is my hope that with the help of all of you and the activities planned as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we can spread the specific health education message for the prevention and early detection of breast cancer to all Malaysian women and motivate them to put their knowledge into action for the benefit of all women.

With that, I hereby with great pleasure launch the Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Gleneagles Hospital Penang.

Thank you.