“In Malaysia, awareness and knowledge of breast cancer doesn’t translate into action,” says Beacon Hospital’s Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Azura Rozila Ahmad.
This is a key reason many breast cancer cases are detected late (stage 3 or 4), even as the disease increasingly affects younger women.
Many women delay seeking help, often dismissing lumps as harmless or hoping they will disappear; seeking medical attention only when symptoms worsen and can no longer be ignored.
Cultural taboos, misinformation, and fear are major barriers to early diagnosis.
“But the longer you wait, the harder the cancer becomes to treat,” Dr Azura emphasised, stressing the critical need for early action.
Some women avoid screenings because they worry about losing a breast or how treatment might affect their appearance or relationships.
For others, the intimate nature of the breast makes self-examinations or discussing changes with family difficult.
Social media misinformation adds to the confusion, deterring many from taking prompt action and seeking proper medical care that could save their lives.
Open discussions, better education, and community support are vital in overcoming these challenges.
Addressing these barriers to early detection could make a life-saving difference for countless women.
TAKING ACTION
One woman who acted promptly is Natasha David, a 50-year-old legal head at an engineering firm.
She initially dismissed pain in her left arm and shoulder as work strain but immediately sought help after discovering a marble-sized lump in her breast.
Her cancer was diagnosed at stage 2A—early enough for effective treatment, though still requiring tough decisions.
Natasha faced her diagnosis with resilience, embracing changes and tackling treatment challenges with courage and grace.
Still undergoing treatment, Natasha says the biggest change is that she now takes things more lightly. Previously a workaholic with a meticulous approach, she felt the need to control everything.
Now, she has learned that it’s okay to hold back and not everything needs immediate attention.
Today, Natasha is committed to raising awareness about early detection, particularly among Tamil-speaking women, a group she feels is underserved in cancer education.
She plans to create TikTok videos to share her story and encourage screenings.
“Early detection and treatment save lives,” she says, a message she hopes will inspire more women to act without delay.
For full article, source: NST
