Estée Lauder Companies' PINK OCTOBER Programmes and Charity Gala Dinner 2008 is back!
It will be the 12th year running where Estee Lauder Companies in Malaysia conducts it breast cancer awareness campaign through a variety of activities. There will be illumination of a landmark in pink this year as well (KL Tower on 14th Oct 2008) and a Charity Gala Dinner which promises entertainment, and visually pleasing designer gowns for auction. The gala dinner will be held in KL Hillton on 16th Oct 2008 and funds raised will be channeled to Breast Cancer Welfare Association, College of Radiology Malaysia, National Cancer Society of Malaysia and Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF).

Designers Khoon Hooi, Carven Ong, Rizalman, Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi and Eric Choong have contributed designer gowns for auction and DeGem Masterpiece has sponsored exclusive jewellery set for raising funds as well. A special performance by Sheila Majid is another major attraction. So buy a table for 10 at either RM 3,000 or RM 5,000 for a good cause. Bring your friends and family along or make this a team effort amongst your friends, colleagues or family!

Download the registration form here.

For more information contact telephone: 03-20926000 (Caryne Ng – Ext 182; Wee Tee – Ext 133; Jean Loh – Ext 176 and Yen Chong – Ext 154)

For last year’s stories on the Ilumination and Charity Gala Dinner, click here
 

Breast Health Workshop with a Difference, Petaling Jaya – 6 Sep 2008
On 6th September 2008 afternoon, Dr Evelyn Ho, a consultant clinical radiologist by profession and President of the College of Radiology, conducted a breast health workshop to unravel the “myths” of the breasts, imparting tips and tricks of effective self breast examination built upon a foundation of knowing enough about the breasts to understand normal physiological changes. There were 61 participants at the workshop. However, unlike all the previous workshops Dr Ho had conducted, this was different as it was the first time, people with disabilities (PWDs) were invited and encouraged to attend!

Read it all here
 

CARIF-UM Release New Malaysian Breast Cancer Genetic Study, Kuala Lumpur – 21 July 2008
Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) and University Malaya (UM) recently teamed up to conduct the CARIF-UM Breast Cancer Genetic Study, the largest study of its kind to determine the genes which cause breast cancer, specifically in Malaysian women. A clear link between inherited genes and development of breast cancer has been established. Commenting on the methodology of the Study, Dr Teo Soo-Hwang (Chief Executive of CARIF) said that the researchers have so far recruited more than 800 Malaysian women with breast cancer. Women interested in participating in the study or those wishing to donate to this research cause, contact Miss Yoon Sook-Yee or Dr Teo Soo-Hwang of CARIF at 03-56306774

Read it all here
 

His and Her Story: A Collection of Testimonies on Male Support for Breast Cancer Launched, Kuala Lumpur – 21 June 2008
The project Male Support of Breast Cancer Screening for Women (MENCARE) Programme developed by the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) and supported by Pfizer Malaysia through Asia Foundation, was launched in November 2006. Through its workshops, testimonies of courage, strength and love surfaced and has since been compiled to be a source of inspiration to others. The compilation: His and Her Story was launched by YB Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen in Kuala Lumpur on 21 June 2008

Read it all here

“What Cancer Means to Me”: Radiology Malaysia Prize Presentation Day – 14 June 2008
The Radiology Malaysia-Kidz Magazine Challenge 2007 Prize Presentation was held on 14 June 2007. Celebrity Juwita Suwito entertained the eager crowd. The ages of those who entered the contest ranged from 8 to 68 years old! Find out who won, and read all about the event.

Full report here!

For Winners’ Thoughts and to view their winning entries: click here
 

Relay for Life Kuala Lumpur: MSN Training Stadium, Bukit Jalil - 31 May to 1 June 2008
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia's Relay For Life was a high-spirited event where everyone in the community joined in the fight against cancer. It was a day filled with fun, comradeship and festivities. The effort is to raise public awareness about cancer in the community and to raise funds to find the cure. Relay For Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. He raised $27,000 that first year. Since then, Relay For Life events around the world have raised a billion dollars to support programmes aimed at eliminating cancer.
 

Belinda Bateman’s Amazing Journey at The ATTIC, Kuala Lumpur – 27 Mar 2008
Belinda Bateman is a single mother with a 4 year old daughter. She was born with congenital arthogryposis multiplex and in December 2006, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was forced to sign a letter of resignation while she was still in the hospital when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Recently, she developed a recurrence of breast cancer. Yet, Belinda still manages to smile despite barely making ends meet, without a job and depending on her EPF and meagre Social Welfare aid.

Read it all here

Brisbane, Australia to host international breast cancer conference – 7 Feb 2008
The Cancer Council Queensland has announced a historic meeting in May next year, when more than 600 breast cancer survivors and experts from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Americas will converge on Brisbane for the 15th UICC Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference. The conference, hosted by The Cancer Council Queensland from May 13 – 15, 2009 will be the first worldwide forum for breast cancer consumers, support organisations and health professionals to meet and address common goals. The Conference will focus on three key areas: Survivorship, Capacity Building and Peer Support, with special tracks on, resources and funding, consumer/clinician collaboration, and issues faced by young women.

The Cancer Council Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer Professor Jeff Dunn said “Breast cancer is a global issue with around 1.2 million women diagnosed each year and more than four million women living with breast cancer worldwide. The Reach to Recovery International movement has, through peer support and advocacy, played a unique and important role in acknowledging and celebrating the power of shared personal experience.”

Registrations open on March 1, 2008 and abstract submissions will open on April 15, 2008. For more information and to register visit the website www.reachtorecovery2009.org
 

Estée Lauder Companies' Cheque Presentation, Kuala Lumpur – 30 Jan 2008
The Estée Lauder Companies 2007 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was a great success. In 2007, there was the annual charity auction, golf, gala dinner and the Landmark Illumination Programme to increase awareness, create more hype to help win the fight against breast cancer. Together with the Breast Cancer Welfare Association, the funds raised were sizeable and each of the following organisations were beneficiaries: Breast Cancer Welfare Association, National Cancer Society of Malaysia and College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia.

At a lunch hosted by ELC on 30 Jan 2008 at the Crystal Jade Restaurant, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, cheques of RM 100,000 were presented to Dr Evelyn Ho, College of Radiology and Dr Saunthari Dharmalingam, National Cancer Society of Malaysia. Mr Loo Kai Nan (Managing Director), Sharyn Wong (Chairperson of the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee 2007) and Mdm Tan Quee Siew played hosts. Also present at the lunch was Barbara Khoo, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association, and Clare Ratnasingham of the National Cancer Society.
 

The Breast Cancer Support Society, Segamat Leads the Way Celebrating Life! – 15 Dec 2007
Almost all the survivors were barely recognizable and there were many “oohs” and “ahhs” mingled with lots of laughter at the Dinner & Dance, organised by the Breast Cancer Support Society, Segamat (BCSS). For most of the guests, the event was an eye-opener. They could not believe that all those beautiful ladies who looked so fit and trim were breast cancer survivors. BCSS believes it has achieved what it has set out to do that night … to make people see that there is life after breast cancer!

Read More Here
 

Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Charity Gala Dinner, KL Hilton – 7 Nov 2007
The banquet hall was decorated with various hues of pink from strategically placed lights, definitely “a passion for pink”. The table flowers were exquisite. This all set the tone for an evening of glamour, colour, creativity, generosity and fun. The fund-raising dinner was part of Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia’s 11th year propagating the breast cancer awareness cause. The beneficiaries of the funds raised were Breast Cancer Welfare Association, National Cancer Society of Malaysia and College of Radiology.

Read More Here
 

Estée Lauder Companies’ Lights up Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Pink  – 1 October 2007
It was a grand “kick-off” for Estée Lauder Companies’ (ELC) Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign. In partnership with Kuala Lumpur Pavilion, the newest landmark in Kuala Lumpur, ELC illuminated the entrance facade of Pavilion KL in bright pink lights. In “relief” against the bright pink was a ribbon with the words: “Help Us Win – Wear a Pink Ribbon”. This unique illumination project is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is part of the ELC’s Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative.

Read More Here
 

September 2007 Breast Health Trainers’ and Beginners’ Workshops, Petaling Jaya – 15 & 22 September 2007
Breast Health workshops were held in September 2007, partly to refresh, update and rejuvenate volunteers who were going to be populating malls to impart breast health. In addition, a beginners’ workshop was also held for those interested in finding out how to be breast health aware. Jessica Lau, one of the participants of the Trainers’ Workshop on 15 Sep 2007 had this to say about the workshop, ‘This was very interesting, stimulating and I’ve learnt a lot about self examination’.

Read More Here!
 

International Conference on Survivorship and Supportive Care in Cancer, Crowne Mutiara Plaza, Kuala Lumpur – 10-12 August 2007
This conference was timely as more and more people were being successfully treated for cancer or were living with cancer. Held over 3 days, the conference covered many topics related to support and survivorship in cancer. There were 347 delegates overfilling the hall! Benefit Finding After Cancer proved the most motivating and uplifting session of all as gutsy women shared their adventures despite and in spite of cancer. This conference was held in conjunction with the 1^st KL International Breast and Colorectal Cancer Congress.

Read More Here!
 

Radiology Malaysia Editor Meets Partners for the Radiology Malaysia Website and Breast Health at the 1st KL International Breast and Colorectal Cancer Congress – 9-11 August 2007
Radiology Malaysia visited the Trade Exhibition held in conjunction with the 1^st KL Breast and Colorectal Cancer Congress. Nothing like a personal visit to the partners in breast health, the Radiology Malaysia website and those involved in the diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment and of course, pharmaceuticals. AstraZeneca also made a preliminary introduction to TOUCHPOINT, a patient support programme.

Read More Here!
 

Calcifications in a Mammogram – what is this?

Click here for more!
 

Sections on Breast Cancer Facts and Stats, Who’s in Charge of Breast Health, Self breast examination (who, what, where, why, when and how), Breast Imaging options (when and what to do), Mammogram Myths, Treatment, The Younger Women & Breast Health, Testimonies, i.e. The A to Z of breast health - click here
 

Are you receiving a high quality mammogram? The CoR’s National Mammography Practice Survey 2005
A high quality mammogram is a prerequisite for good interpretation/reading by the radiologist. The CoR’s report on the survey showed Malaysia was on the right track but there was room for improvement. We thank our ever generous partners in prevention (Meditel and Agfa ASEAN) for helping to finance the survey. The results were presented in a paper (poster presentation) at the 3rd Teaching Course of the Asian Breast Diseases Association 28-30 May 2005. This paper submitted for Poster Presentation won the Best Poster Award.

Click here to download the Poster
 

Our Question & Answer Section has now become an archive but the questions that are frequently asked with their answers continue to be available as an archive. Search this archive first as someone else has probably already asked the question you have in mind. 

We still welcome queries, comments, observations. Continue to post questions at the Radiology Malaysia Forum.
 

The Art of Being Breast Aware – a Beginner’s Guide to Breast Health and Self Breast Checks
This book is an essential guide for those starting out, finding difficulty doing self breast examination or are terrified of even touching their breasts for fear of finding a cancer! As fear of cancer does not make the disease go away, the author, Dr Evelyn Ho approaches this in a positive manner. This handy book in English, Malay or Mandarin is your first step towards understanding your breasts.

Other than Selangor, there are various breast cancer support groups in the various states in Malaysia (eg Johor Bahru, Segamat, Pontian, Malacca, Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Sabah, Penang).

Other cancer & breast cancer support groups in Malaysia and the region.
 

The difference our various programmes and the Breast Health Info Centre/Pusat Sumber Kanser Payudara has made in peoples’ lives will be the living testimony and thanks that we hope will make up for the fact that words are inadequate to express our gratitude to all the various sponsors and individuals that have made things happen!

“Together Everyone Achieves More”

Please, help us to spread the facts about breast cancer and its early detection by telling your family, friends, business associates, and other people you come into contact with.

Visit the Breast Health Info Centre and empower yourselves with the information that may save lives! 

Dr Evelyn Ho
Radiology Malaysia Webeditor
September, 2008

Mark your
calendar for the
Estée Lauder
 
2008

Illumination of KL Tower -14 Oct 2008
Charity Gala Dinner, KL Hilton – 16 Oct 2008

Download Invitation Letter and Registration Form Here!

BCAC Roadshows


3-5 Oct 2008


10-12 Oct 2008




24-27 Oct 2008

Charity Golf
Kota Permai Golf & Country Club
– 20 Aug 2008

CoR Value Added Mammogram Programme 2007 carries on into 2008!

A great big thank you
to the donors to our programme for making
it possible:

Estee Lauder
Pantai Wear It Pink Campaign
Johnson & Johnson

Please click here for full details.

Free External Breast Prostheses in Terengganu – 22 May 2008

Terengganu has now officially announced that they will provide all women in their state with a free external prosthesis and mastectomy bras. You need to be registered with the General Hospital in Terengganu to be eligible for this service. Talk to Staff Nurse Toh in surgical outpatient department at the hospital for more information.

Expatriate Cancer Support Group

This is an informal meeting, held every 3rd Tuesday of each month and started by Amanita.  The first meeting was held on 19th Feb 2008. For more information, contact info@amanita.com.my
or Tel: +603-2162 8215

Pink Paddlers –
The Movie

Jasmine Ng and Suzette Cody (a long-time volunteer at the Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore), both from Singapore completed in end 2007, a documentary film.

Pink Paddlers, is about a courageous motley crew of women, paddling in a dragonboat team, racing to battle breast cancer, and to raise awareness.

These mothers-daughters-girlfriends-wives of all shapes and sizes, from ages 26 to 66, came together with other sister survivors from world-over, to race at the inaugural breast cancer survivors Dragonboat World Championships held in Singapore. A team from Kuala Lumpur, the ladies from Dragons Abreast KL, also competed.

Click here for more!

In APPRECIATION
Volunteer Translators

Radiology Malaysia wishes to thank the following (in no specific order) volunteer translators for their assistance in the website articles and other collaterals.

Mandarin translation volunteers who responded to an article
in the Sin Chew Jit Poh
in 2007.
Nancy Wong Lin See
Angeline JC Lok
Tan Yuen Fen
Wong Soh Wei
Yeow Kok Keng
Niki Cheong
Ox-Fei
Lian Hua Min
Ng Gwek Kor
Chong Kin Fatt
Wong Pei Chee
Heng Phaik Heok
Yee Pik Lai
Ong Luo Bin
Cindy Lim
Liew Chong Sing

Mandarin Translation Volunteers since 2002
Chin Lee Fong
Kwan Yau Oi
Tan Yee Chin

Bahasa Malaysia Translation Volunteers
Lewis Lim
Hashimah Hashim
Nitra Sari Omar
Brian Lariche
Mohd Shujairi

Jessica Lew, 18 years
old Radiology Malaysia
Fun Quiz 2006 Winner:
 
“Even though I didn’t
win any of the prizes I deeply wished to win, I did win something -
more knowledge and information about
breast cancer programmes that the College of Radiology organized. I shared the informational pamphlets given in my goodie bag, by putting them up in
my classroom information board. It's very enlightening for my friends and teachers to read. Many of them are very ignorant about breast cancer.”

MyStory:CeritaKu
Inspirational Stories to give insight, help you
and your loved ones
deal with cancer

The 2005 Radiology Malaysia-Meditel MyStory:CeritaKu contest brought out the best in Malaysians. So many heart wrenching stories were submitted and the judges had a difficult time selecting the winners. Being able to write about your experiences is victory in itself.

Click here for the
winning stories

Discuss, feedback and ask us questions at the Radiology Malaysia FORUM!

Our Talkback Q & A Section is now an
archive of the
commonly asked questions or concerns.

Top 5 accessed Articles/Sections

Advanced Breast Cancer Signs

How can I tell if I have Breast Cancer?

Understanding Fatty Liver

Breast Cancer Signs

 Examples of Breast Reconstruction - Includes Photos

Other Articles & Information

Are silicon implants safe?

Breast Health Habits for the Younger Woman?

Myths and Barriers to Mammography

Where to get external breast prostheses in Malaysia?

Breast Cancer – My Personal Account

Ranjit Kaur, President
of Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Network: “The pain of breast cancer is not physical but emotional…”  
Read her personal account (courtesy of The Lancet)

Healthline LPPKN launched on 25 July 2005

This telephone information service on health matters such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and general health screening such as for high blood pressure and diabetes is available from 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri.

Tel: 603-6157 8877
For more info: www.lppkn.gov.my

Rene’e Conquers Mt Kilimanjaro

I was struggling to
regain some semblance of my former self after undergoing treatments for breast cancer. So I decided to take up the challenge to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world!

Read her story here

Get your copy of The Art of Being Breast Aware

The book attempts to address the concerns, anxieties and difficulties faced by many attempting to do self breast checks! Find out more about the contents. Click here

Breast Pain Worrying You?

The commonest worry amongst our readers appears to be breast pain. If the pain is episodic, fleeting and sometimes, there is no pain at all, these are probably due to hormonal related changes. Should the breast pain be debilitating or interfering with your normal lifestyle, please see your doctor! Read more about breast cancer signs

The College of Radiology Mammogram Programme 

The Subsidised Mammogram
Programme (SMP) was spearheaded by the College of Radiology and the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund, with the Foundation providing the subsidy for the mammograms. Centres which volunteered as mammogram providers
since 2004 had to pass an accreditation process to ensure the minimum quality for mammograms was attained. In 2002, the COR wrote to private mammography centres
to hold special programmes or
discounts for breast screening in their respective centres. Since then, many have responded and continue to hold programmes annually.

SMP2007 Report

SMP2006 Report

SMP2005 Report

SMP2004 Report

SMP2003 Report

SMP2002 Report

SMP2001 Report

The Malaysian Breast Cancer Council

Find out more about this organisation. Click here

American Cancer
Society Books
translated into Bahasa Malaysia are  now available at the
National Cancer Society of Malaysia

Titles include:
Soal Jawab Tentang Kanser Payudara
Lumpektomi: Panduan Untuk Pesakit
Mastektomi: Panduan Untuk Pesakit
Memahami Kemoterapi: Panduan Untuk Pesakit dan Keluarga
Untuk Wanita Yang Menghidap Kanser Payudara

Email: contact@cancer.org.my
Tel:
603-2698 7300