Women in rural areas in need of regular check-ups

KUALA LUMPUR: One of the major challenges in fighting breast cancer is getting women in rural areas to go for regular check-ups, said Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation chairman Dr M. Devanand.

“Many from rural areas are only diagnosed during the third stage of the cancer, while those from the city are more likely to be diagnosed during the first or second stages.

“Women in rural areas may not have access to the same information and facilities we have in the city.”

He added that about 50% of Malaysian women had been detected with cancer during advanced stages as they did not go for regular check-ups.

“We are also seeing more younger women getting breast cancer. This is worrying as cancer is more aggressive in younger people,” he said during the Life Beyond Breast Cancer International Symposium here yesterday.

Dr. Devanand lauded and thanked the government for announcing free mammograms for selected groups in Budget 2013.

“However, we fear that it may end-up in the hands of undeserving people.

“Women who really need this are those in rural areas,” he said, calling for more information on how women could apply for the free check-ups.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, who opened the three-day event, urged women not to avoid going for check-ups for fear of discrimination or being looked at differently.

She announced a personal contribution of RM50,000 for the foundation to award individuals or organisations which contributed to the treatment or prevention of breast cancer

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