Bandar Seri Begawan - Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) yesterday organised a public breast cancer awareness forum in hopes of heightening awareness on the disease, and at the same time, to inform the public that, if detected early, help is available.

The first of its kind to be organised by JPMC, the forum played out at the Mutiara Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel in the capital, seeing Brunei Investment Agency Managing Director Hjh Hartini Hj Abdullah as the guest of honour.

The forum was chaired by National Cancer Centre (NCC) Executive and Medical Director Dr Hj Muhd Syafiq Abdullah and opened with welcoming remarks delivered by JPMC Executive and Medical Director Dr Isham Jaafar.

NCC Oncologist Specialist Dato Dr Babu Sukumaran was the first speaker to deliver a talk on 'Breast Cancer - What You Need To Know,' following which Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group (BCSG) President Masjuwita Hj Abd Hamid spoke on 'Life after cancer' and 'Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group," as she shared her experience as a cancer survivor and the roles of BCSG.

The presentations concluded with topics on 'Inside Knowledge - Earlier the Better' and 'Moving Beyond the Fear of Cancer' by JPMC Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Head Dr Chitra Karat and JPMC Psychologist Todd McPherson respectively.

Mr McPherson's topic outlined points on how to not let the fear of cancer stop you from having regular screenings or seeing a doctor about symptoms as well as several other points on how the medical advances in technology are bringing changes to different types of treatment.

Individuals who missed the forum yesterday can learn more by getting information from NCC or JPMC.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, typically observed in October, aims to strengthen public knowledge on the disease as it sheds light on the symptoms and treatment options available.

The embedded knowledge hopes to lead to earlier detection of the disease, which in turn is associated with higher long-term survival rates.

Breast cancer advocacy and awareness efforts are a type of health advocacy and a lobby for better care, more knowledge, and also patient empowerment.

Such awareness measures could be conducted through educational campaigns or Breast Cancer Culture, sometimes referred to as the Pink Ribbon Culture, which is the most prominent symbol of breast cancer awareness.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin