Breast cancer poses a significant health challenge in Brunei, where local studies have shown that over 50 per cent of cases are diagnosed at Stages 3 and 4, said Head of Early Detection and Cancer Prevention Services at The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC) Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee in her capacity as Chairperson of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a forum yesterday.
The forum, ‘A Conversation to Empower Women on Women’s Cancer: Time to Take Action Today’ was held at the Dar Al-Instishar, Jerudong Sports Complex.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, the Deputy Chairman of Board of Director of Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC), was the chief guest.
“While the statistics may vary, data from recent years have indicated that breast cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in the country,” said the Head of Early Detection and Cancer Prevention Services.
“Second to breast cancer for women are gynaecological cancers especially cancer of the cervix and uterus,” she said.
“Early detection and awareness are critical in the fight against not just breast cancer, but all types of cancers, and knowledge is our most powerful tool. We hope that the conversation on this important matter will help to do just that,” she added.
She also said that globally breast cancer remains a pervasive health concern.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.3 million cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2020 alone, making it the most prevalent cancer among women themselves.
“These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent the faces and lives of our mothers, sisters, and friends,” said Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina.
The forum, hosted by the TBCC, marked the start of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is one of the campaign activities organised under the initiatives.
It aims to reach out and directly engage in conversation with the Bruneian community about breast cancer and other cancers affecting women while stressing on the importance of early detection and screening.
Reflecting on the forum’s objective, the event saw medical experts from the Ministry of Health and TBCC sharing knowledge about breast and gynaecological cancers, its psychological impacts as well as the advancement in cancer care.
Cancer survivors were also invited to share their experience battling with breast cancers and their thoughts on overcoming stigmas around cancer.
Consultant Oncologist Dr Haji Muhd Syafiq bin Abdullah, Head of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Psychiatry Department Pengiran Dr Fariza binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, TBCC Early Detection and Cancer Prevention Services Senior Medical Officer Dr Nur Sadrina binti Haji Marsidi, TBCC Medical Oncology Department Speciality Nurse Hajah Surenawati binti Haji Awang Damit, and cancer survivors Hajah Zaliha binti Haji Ibrahim, Masjuwita binti Haji Abd Hamid and Jessie Pang were among those present.
The event was part of TBCC’s mission to provide knowledge, to inspire conversations about prevention, encourage women to undergo routine screenings, and support those facing the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
PJSC also hoped that the collective efforts will pave the way for a more positive cancer-free tomorrow and make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. – Rokiah Mahmud
