PETALING JAYA: The Pride Foundation will be opening its breast cancer clinic at 23, Lorong Tanjung 5/4D, off Jalan Gasing here next month. The cancer screening clinic caters to both men and women.
Pride Foundation adviser Nasirah Aris said anyone who is need of medical advice is free to call the establishment from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
The public can even request for the foundation’s mobile unit to visit their area via its outreach programme to create awareness on cancer, particularly breast cancer.
“We will also be organising talks this month in various organisations such as City Bank, Prudential and institutions of higher learning around the country on breast cancer,” said Nasirah.
Though it might sound redundant as many have organised such events, Nasirah is undeterred saying that many lack proper information on breast cancer.
Nasirah added that she was appalled that even educated city folk were ignorant about the disease.
“When I spoke to several women during my morning exercise, they even had this misconception that mammogram can cause cancer.
“You will also be surprised to know that many could have been saved if they were more concerned about their health,” she said.
Nasirah added that there also cases where cancer patients who use the services of shamans for treatment instead of getting proper medical attention, especially women living in rural areas.
“Many people have this notion that breast cancer will not happen to them and that is another reason why people put off going for checkups and are also slow in seeking treatment,” she said.
Nasirah said men should also go for breast check-ups because about five per cent of the victims are men.
The Pride Foundation also helps breast cancer patients who have been abandoned by their families.
She said such cases are on the rise and the foundation helps some of them by giving financial aid up to RM500 a month depending on circumstances.
Nasirah, a cancer survivor herself, added cancer patients need a lot of emotional support from their family while on medical treatment.
As such, Pride Foundation actively organises activities and stage performances in order to encourage cancer patients to stay positive.
For details, call 03-7960 0366 or visit http://pride.org.my/. By John Tiong