[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]”In Malaysia, awareness and knowledge of breast cancer doesn’t translate into action,” says Beacon Hospital’s Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Azura Rozila Ahmad.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is a key reason many breast cancer cases are detected late (stage 3 or 4), even as the disease increasingly affects younger women. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Cultural taboos, misinformation, and fear are major barriers to early diagnosis.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
“But the longer you wait, the harder the cancer becomes to treat,” Dr Azura emphasised, stressing the critical need for early action.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Some women avoid screenings because they worry about losing a breast or how treatment might affect their appearance or relationships.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For others, the intimate nature of the breast makes self-examinations or discussing changes with family difficult.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Social media misinformation adds to the confusion, deterring many from taking prompt action and seeking proper medical care that could save their lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Open discussions, better education, and community support are vital in overcoming these challenges.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Addressing these barriers to early detection could make a life-saving difference for countless women.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
TAKING ACTION[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]One woman who acted promptly is Natasha David, a 50-year-old legal head at an engineering firm.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Her cancer was diagnosed at stage 2A—early enough for effective treatment, though still requiring tough decisions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Natasha faced her diagnosis with resilience, embracing changes and tackling treatment challenges with courage and grace.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]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.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Now, she has learned that it’s okay to hold back and not everything needs immediate attention.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Today, Natasha is committed to raising awareness about early detection, particularly among Tamil-speaking women, a group she feels is underserved in cancer education.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]She plans to create TikTok videos to share her story and encourage screenings.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
“Early detection and treatment save lives,” she says, a message she hopes will inspire more women to act without delay.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
For full article, source: NST[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
