There was a flash of pink at the Free Breast Prosthesis & Mastectomy Bra Scheme session organised at the Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre recently.
The event was organised in collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia (LPPKN), Can-Care Health System and Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA).
The event attended by nurses and health professionals provided an opportunity to find out more about the scheme which has benefited many cancer survivors in Malaysia.
The centre’s chief executive officer Dr Mary C. H. Quah, said: “Detecting breast cancer early is key to keeping women alive while proper care ensures women have good quality of life after treatment."
LPPKN representative Dr Azura Bt. Abdullah said the board launched the scheme in April last year. She said as at January, about 750 patients from hospitals in Penang were eligible for the scheme.
LPPKN would also hand out free breast prostheses and bras by CanCare, the main supplier for breast prosthesis in Penang.
Its sales director, Damien Loke, said: “Successful applicants will have to attend a fitting session for a prosthesis and bra set. “Wearing a perfect fit set is important as it helps maintain posture, reduce frozen shoulder and bring back confidence to the survivor,”
Newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients are welcomed to apply for the free prosthesis set.
Those who have undergone a single or double mastectomy in either government or private hospitals, with a household income of less than RM5,000 per month and had never received the aid, can apply.
Among Friends Cancer Support Group president, Chee Goon Hoe, who is also a cancer survivor, said: “As cancer does not show any symptoms in early years, it is best to go for regular checkups.”
Chee (right) with another cancer survivor Mui Siew Koon
To increase breast cancer awareness, the centre is providing an outreach programme with free clinical breast examination to all Penangites together with BCWA via its Mobile Unit Reaching Nationwide with Information (Murni).
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Dr Quah and Dr Azura (right) given a tour of Murni
* This is a reproduction of my article published in The Malay Mail
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