1,000 pairs of breasts required

Posted: January 04, 2012 by The Star, Health

Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation launches ‘More Than A Mammo’ programme, which is targeting 1,000 women.

CANCER Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) and Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya (SDMC SJ) in Selangor have recently launched the “More Than A Mammo” Programme targeted to increase awareness and uptake of mammogram screening for breast cancer.

In collaboration with SDMC SJ and funds raised through the Sime Darby LPGA tournament, the programme aims to examine how genes, lifestyle and mammographic density affect our risk to breast cancer; and underline the message that early detection saves lives.

The programme aims to reach out to 1,000 Malaysian women by offering mammograms at a subsidised rate of RM50.

“Since its launch, more than 300 women have already come forward to participate, and we hope to reach the target of 1000 women by mid 2012,” said Prof Dr Teo Soo Hwang, CEO of CARIF as well as the principal investigator of the programme.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Malaysia, and the leading cause of death for women around the world.

The good news is that we now know more about breast cancer than we ever did before. Today, more than nine out of 10 women survive more than five years, and the key to survival is early detection and treatment,” said Prof Teo.

To participate in this study, you need to be a Malaysian woman aged 40 and above; have no personal history of breast cancer, and have not gone for a mammogram for the last 12 months.

However, if you are less than 40 years of age and have a close relative with breast cancer, you should consult your doctor about the benefits and limitations of mammograms.

With a doctor’s referral, you are still eligible for the study.

For research purposes, you will be asked to donate a small blood sample and complete a simple questionnaire about factors that relate to breast cancer such as whether you have ever been pregnant, your age, when your menstrual periods began, exercises, other habits, etc.

Interested participants may register at the Breast Care Centre, 1st Floor Outpatient Centre, Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya, Mondays to Fridays, or telephone +603-5639 1340 or log on to www.carif.com.my for more information.

Established in 2000, Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) is the first independent cancer research organisation in Malaysia. CARIF conducts research to identify better ways to prevent, detect and cure cancer for Malaysians.

At present, CARIF focuses on three areas of research, namely genetics of breast and ovarian cancer; biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of oral and nasopharyngeal cancer; and maximising Malaysia’s rich biodiversity in search for anti-cancer compounds. CARIF aims to ensure that at least 95% of the funds received are spent on research.

CARIF works closely with experts worldwide to fight cancers that occur in Asia as well as globally.

Over the years, the organisation, in collaboration with researchers both locally and worldwide, has achieved advances in the understanding of cancers and won many awards, including Young Investigator Awards and L’Oreal Women in Science Awards.

In addition, CARIF conducts community outreach programmes, such as the Patient Navigation Programme, and cancer prevention and awareness programmes, such as the “More than a Mammo” programme and the “Oral Cancer Awareness” programme.

As a non-profit-organisation in Malaysia, CARIF relies entirely on public donation to sustain its long-term cancer research and to train young Malaysians to be tomorrow’s leading cancer researchers. For more information, go to info@carif.com.myor call 603-56391874.