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KUCHING, June 7: The Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN), in collaboration with the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG), has conducted another successful Breast Cancer Health Screening Outreach Programme, this time at Sg Kut Dalat.
The programme coincided with the Pesta Kaul held on June 1, where nearly 100 residents checked their health status at the Sg Kut Community Hall.
According to a SCAN press release, women who had abnormal breast findings via clinical breast examination were examined for greater precision using a portable hand-held ultrasound machine, and one was found with abnormal and suspicious findings and referred to Sibu Hospital for a mammogram and biopsy as Bintulu Hospital’s mammogram machine is currently out of commission.
The portable hand-held ultrasound machine was donated by the Church of Latter-day Saints, and the specialised diagnosis was performed by Dr Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali, a breast surgeon from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah officiated the event.
In addition to breast examination, there was also a health screening where five nurses from Klinik Kesihatan Dalat examined residents for blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol while former state Health director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan provided personalised diagnosis and general health counselling to those who attended the checkup.
During the event, SCAN advisor Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain had an interactive session with the woman present when the latter shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor.
“As the project was held during Pesta Kaul, the team was also able to experience the traditional festival of the pagan Melanaus and a chance to understand more on the culture, challenges, and barriers this ethnic group is currently facing.
“This outreach programme was a success and the team is already preparing for the next outreach at Rumah Untang, Ulu Kapit at the end of July, raising awareness of cancer and providing vital support and advice to those in need,” SCAN said in the press release.
To learn more about SCAN, check the website www.scan.org.my or Facebook at fb.com/scankch. — DayakDaily
