CoR Mammogram Programme 2007 will continue in 2008, thanks to our generous donors!

Thanks to the trust and generous donations from corporate bodies, groups of individuals and partners, the College of Radiology (CoR) is able to carry on its value added subsidised mammogram programme (CMP for short) for the year 2007-2008. These new donors have answered the “prayers” of the breast cancer support groups in Johor where such service was very highly appreciated.

The funds have come from the Wear It Pink 2 Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Campaign 2006 organised by Pantai Medical, Bangsar and Asia Assistance (RM 100,000); Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) Malaysia donated RM 60,000 towards the end of 2006 from funds raised in their Pink October Charity Hi Tea event while in 2007, in conjunction with their 20th Anniversary in Malaysia, the CoR’s CMP programme received another RM 50,000.

Donations from Johnson & Johnson through the Give2Asia Foundation will complement the other aspects of the CoR’s breast health/awareness programmes.

We will always be grateful for and thankful to all the previous donors, corporate bodies as well as individuals who made it possible to kickstart our nationwide campaign in 2001. In particular, Johnson & Johnson, Meditel Electronics and the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund for having been our partners from 2001 to 2006 for the various aspects of our breast health/awareness programmes. Others include Tan Chong Motor, Shell, PS Pipeline, Marti Butler and her group of expatriate ladies and many others who helped to make the programmes such a success!

The CoR works with many partners as breast health should be approached holistically. The CoR is also a member of the Malaysian Breast Cancer Council.
 

The College of Radiology Mammogram Programme – The CMP
In 2001, a mammogram programme for those in the high risk group, 40 years or older and preferably from the lower income group, was initiated by the College of Radiology (COR) and the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund. This programme is in its 8^th year now and is part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme of the College of Radiology.

Where and when is the CMP Available?

• Segamat (Johor) and surrounding areas: February – June 2008
  The College of Radiology (CoR) is collaborating with the Breast Cancer Support Society, Segamat (BCSS, Segamat) and the IIUM Breast Centre, Kuantan, Pahang – which is an accredited mammogram provider. The IIUM Breast Cancer has just been re-accredited in 2007 for the provision of this special service. More information on the accredited mammogram provider can be found here.

• Kota Bharu and surrounding areas: July-Sep 2008
  The CoR has collaborated with the Radiology Department, Hospital University Sains Malaysia and the Family Planning Association Kelantan to enable this programme. The Radiology Department in HUSM is our accredited mammogram provider.

What is the cost that you will have to pay for your mammogram in this programme?
RM 30. Please note that for those who are very poor, the vetting centre is able to appeal for waiver of the RM 30 as well. This year, the transportation from Segamat to IIUM Breast Centre will again be arranged by the Breast Cancer Support Society, Segamat. The costs of transportation will be sponsored by the CMP.

How to Register for the Mammogram Programme?
All women who wish to benefit from the subsidies provided for the mammograms have to register at the designated centres (See right side bar).

The coordinating and vetting body for Segamat (Johor) and surrounding areas is the Breast Cancer Support Society, Segamat.

The Kelantan coordinating body is the Radiology Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Criteria for admission into the Mammogram Programme
Women who fulfill the following criteria may access the programme on a first come first served basis (Please note the total number that can be done is limited):

1. At least 40 years old

2. Lower income group – you may be asked for proof of income

3. Single mothers and those with a family history of breast cancer may be given priority

Risk factors for breast cancer includes the following:

• Have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer

• Menopause and on hormone replacement therapy

• Have had previous history of breast cancer

• Have breast lump(s) or recent changes in the breasts or your doctor has recommended a mammogram for you

Who is Paying the Subsidy for Your Mammogram in this Programme?
The rest of the cost of the value added mammogram is paid for by donations.

What will you be getting for the RM 30 that you pay for the Mammogram?  - A value added mammogram!
The mammogram includes the basic 4 views, and where necessary, extra mammogram views and adjunct ultrasound will be done at no extra cost to the participant so that when they leave the mammogram centre, they will be explained the results of their mammogram. Where necessary, counseling will be given. For those with abnormal or suspicious findings, they will be referred for further evaluation to a centre of their choice. It has been shown that giving the results of the mammogram immediately after the procedure helps to reduce anxiety associated with mammograms.

Women with dense breasts (the proportion of glands to fat is very high, thus resulting in a “lot of white” tissue in the mammogram film) may require adjunct ultrasound depending on the pattern of the mammogram as well as the breast symptoms and signs the person has.

The CMP will also include the cost of Biopsy (tissue sampling) requiring imaging guidance
Since 2006, a small percentage of those accessing the CMP needed further investigations under either ultrasound or mammogram guidance for tissue sampling (biopsy). The costs were borne by the CMP and this was particularly important for those from the smaller towns. The same service will be extended in 2008.

As of 2004, centres that volunteer to participate as providers in the mammogram programme must undergo and “pass” an accreditation process established by the College of Radiology. This is to ensure that the mammograms and the interpretation of the findings are of an adequate standard. The COR is concerned about quality and it is important for the participants that they have a good experience with this aspect of taking charge of their breast health. The aim of the game is to detect cancer early and for that mammogram films must be of optimal quality; breasts must be properly positioned and adequately compressed to ensure the miss rate for the interpreting radiologists (reading the films) is minimized. The process is entirely voluntary and we thank all the centres from the target states in Malaysia that responded to this process.

The mammogram is not 100% accurate and even in the best of hands, the ability to pick up breast cancers may only go as high as 90%. In women with dense breasts, the pick up rate for cancer will be lower. However, it still offers the BEST chance of picking up early breast cancer, even before it can be felt. As such, the College of Radiology recommends that proper and systematic monthly self breast examination should be practiced, in addition to regular mammograms as well as a regular physical check up with your health professional for a complete approach to breast health.
 

CoR Mammogramme Programme 2007 Report - click here!

CoR Mammogramme Programme 2006 Report - click here!

CoR Mammogram Programme 2005 Report – full report here!

Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2004 Report – read it here!

Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2003 Report - Read the report by clicking here.

Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2002 Report – click here for full details

Subsidised Mammogram Programme 2001 Report – read more about it here.
 

Women who participated in the CMP talk about their experiences with mammogram – click here
 

CMP East Coast


Kelantan Jul-Sep 2008

Department of Radiology
Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu
Kelantan
Hotline: 09-7663027

Contact persons:
Puan Rohani Abdullah
Puan Roslaini Che Abdullah

The CMP for Johore ran
from Mar to June 2008

Coordinating Body & Vetting Centre

THE BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SOCIETY SEGAMAT (0707-05-10)
JKR 49-B JALAN GUDANG UBAT, 85000 SEGAMAT, JOHOR
TEL/FAX NO: 07 – 932 5228

Email: bcss_sgt@yahoo.com

Click her for Web Homepage!

CoR Accredited
Mammogram Providers

IIUM Breast Centre
Kuantan, Pahang

Radiology Department,
University Sains Malaysia
Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Acknowledge-ments

The CoR Mammogram Programme would not
be possible without our volunteer accredited mammogram providers.
We are indeed grateful
to the following for
participating in the 2008 programme.

Breast Cancer Support Groups in Johor,
Family Planning Association, Kelantan

AND

Everyone who has lent
a helping hand for ensuring the success of the CoR's breast cancer awareness programmes!