In conjunction with Pink October, Prince Court Medical Centre hosted “Press Pause: A Pink October Brunch” at the Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur, to appreciate members of the media for their role in raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Recognising the media’s influence in reaching the masses, the event served as a gesture of gratitude to editors and journalists who dedicate their time to informing others, often at the expense of their own health.
Dr. Shuba Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Court, said: “This Pink October, we wanted to do something meaningful for the media, who work tirelessly to inform others, often putting their own health last. The media has the ability to reach urban and rural communities and their stories can drive action, encourage early screening and ultimately save lives. We deeply value this partnership with the media in ensuring communities receive trusted, life-saving information.”
The brunch featured insightful talks by Prince Court Breast Surgeons, Dr. Harjit Kaur and Dr. Melissa Tan, who shared the importance of regular breast screening, early detection and debunking common myths surrounding breast cancer.
Dr. Harjit Kaur said: “Early detection and timely intervention save lives. For those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can be a vital first step. Knowing your risk allows you to make informed decisions and take preventive action rather than waiting until it’s too late.”
Dr. Melissa Tan added: “In this day and age of social media and fake news, there is a lot of misinformation about breast cancer that can delay diagnosis and treatment. The media plays a vital role in addressing myths with evidence-based facts to ensure the public receives accurate, trusted information that empowers them to take charge of their health.”
The event also featured inspiring testimonials from Mahani Kassim, President of Pink Unity, a breast cancer support group under the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), alongside another survivor who shared her journey, underscoring the importance of community and emotional support throughout recovery.
As part of the event, each attendee received a breast ultrasound screening voucher, a gesture that reflects Prince Court’s commitment to encouraging self-care and promoting early detection.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, with approximately one in 19 women developing the disease in their lifetime. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, yet more than half of breast cancer cases in Malaysia are still detected at late stages.
According to Ministry of Health data, 50.5% of cases are diagnosed at stage three and four. This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and education on early detection, a message Prince Court continues to champion through its Pink October initiatives.
