KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Breast cancer check with less discomfort

More than 250 Wanita MCA members from eight divisions get free 3D mammography

SELANGOR Wanita MCA chief Ong Chong Swen organised a special "Love Yourself" 3D mammography programme in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month for members in Selangor, with KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital in Shah Alam.

More than 250 women from eight divisions in the state participated in the programme which was supported by the National Population and Family Development Board under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours in women, said Ong. According to statistics, breast cancer is the No.l killer of women and accounts for 7% to 10% of all cancers, especially for women from the age of 40 to 60.

With early detection, the survival rate can be as high as 98%.

Besides self examinations and regular clinical breast examinations, the most commonly used method is the mammogram.

Though most women know about breast cancer, many either do not take the initiative to detect the disease or shy away from examination because of the discomfort caused by the standard mammogram equipment.

However, the three dimensional mammography, which is a relatively new breast imaging procedure approved in 2011, not only reduces the discomfort but is said to be more effective at picking up invasive tumours and avoiding false alarms than traditional breast cancer screening.

Ong urged members who have yet to participate in the programme to contact their respective division Wanita chiefs or enquire at Wanita MCA Selangor Secretariat 035541 0814/5541 0850. The Star