Kelantan allocates RM500,000 for early breast cancer screenings

KOTA BHARU, May 24 (Bernama) -- Kelantan has allocated RM500,000 this year for women in the state to undergo mammogram tests for early detection of breast cancer.

State Welfare and Family and Women’s Development Committee chairman, Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi said the initiative undertaken in collaboration with the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Hospital in Kubang Kerian was expected to benefit some 5,000 women in the state.

“The state government will bear the cost of early mammogram screenings. Those interested can register through the Welfare and Family and Women’s Development secretariat to get an appointment for screening at the hospital.

“During the screening, if a lump and symptoms are detected, treatment and the second screening should be done to confirm whether it is cancer or otherwise,” she told reporters after launching the Women’s  Reproductive Screening Campaign held in conjunction with the state-level Mother’s Day celebration today.

Mumtaz, however, said the initiative did not receive an encouraging response from women in the state and hence, she called on them to take the opportunity to undergo screening and receive treatment if required.

 -- BERNAMA