JOHOR BAHRU: It was an evening of enthusiastic chatter, occasional squeals and robust laughter as more than 600 members, friends and invited guests gathered to mark the Breast Cancer Support Group Johor Bahru’s (BCSGJB) 20th anniversary dinner.

The dinner, held at Pekin Daiman 18 at Johor Jaya was not only to celebrate the organization’s achievements but also serve as a crucial fundraising opportunity to expand its support services.

In her welcome address, president of BCSG Datin Ang Chin Fan said funds raised at today’s dinner will be used to provide transportation for patients going for their treatments and to assist them financially in getting the necessary screenings.

BCSGJB, registered as a non-governmental organization on March 29, 2004, aims to provide support to breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as raise awareness of the disease.

“Through our wellness team, which comprises of doctors, retired nurses, and survivors, we offer a listening ear and share the experiences of the survivors’ treatment journeys,” said Ang.

They also provide information to help new patients on their path to wellness and follow-up on their well-being through buddy calls and home visits.

She also thanked Doris Boo, a founding member who has dedicated more than 20 years to this cause. “Her heart and soul are woven into every fiber of this organization.”

She also thanked all donors who have contributed to the BCSGJB.

BCSGJB also conducts roadshows and talks on breast cancer as well as cooking, sewing, gardening and exercise events.

The group also operates roadshows and talks on breast cancer as well as cooking, sewing, gardening and exercise events.

BCSGJB operates a prosthesis and bra shop at its centre, which opens from 10 am to 1 pm every Tuesday and Friday.

What started out as tea coffee group meeting in 2000 after four years the BCSG was shaped. In 2004, as an NGO the group was registered with the Registrar of Societies.

Having experienced the pain and suffering, fear and anxieties as patients, BCSG members who are survivors are reaching out effectively to give hope to newly diagnosed patients and encourage them on their journey to wellness.

“We offer fitting services for silicone prosthetics bras and wigs,” she said, adding that, they want to help boost the self-esteem and confidence of patients on their journey to wellness.

From 2017 to 2021, the 10 most commonly diagnosed types of cancer among Malaysians, ranked by proportion were breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, liver cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia, nasopharyngeal cancer, uterine corpus cancer and ovarian cancer.

Analysis by gender reveals that colorectal cancer recorded the highest cancer incidence among men, followed by lung cancer and prostate cancer.

Among women, breast cancer had the highest incidence, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

For Malaysia alone, about 45% of Malaysian cancer survivors spend over a third of their household income for cancer care within the first year of diagnosis where a study was conducted of new cancer patients in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

These financial problems may extend to many more years after diagnosis due to ongoing cancer treatment and care for late effects of treatment.

Being diagnosed with cancer also affect an individual’s ability to work and contribute to productivity loss in economy. Under the high cost scenario, cancer accounts for 14.1% of productivity loss.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in Malaysia. About one in 19 women in this country are at risk, compared to one in eight in Europe and the United States.

No one knows for certain what causes breast cancer. However, a number of risk factors are known to increase the chance of developing breast cancer – but these does not necessarily mean that a person will get the disease.

There are different kinds of risk factors. Some of these factors are beyond control, while some are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment or due to lifestyle and personal choices such as pregnancy, smoking, and drinking.

Guest of Honour for the event was State Assemblywoman for Johor Jaya, Liow Cai Tung in her address told all breast cancer survivors that they are not alone.

“The road ahead may seem long, and the challenges you face might feel overwhelming at times, but you are stronger than you realize,” she said.

She said whether it’s undergoing treatment, handling the side effects or just finding the strength to get through the day – each moment you persevere shows your courage.

She said its okay to feel scared, tired or uncertain, adding that, “In those moments, lean on those around you – your family, friends, medical team and community.”

She mentioned that they are here to support you, uplift you, and walk alongside you.

She went on to say that tonight’s effort is focused on supporting breast cancer recurrence patients who are no longer able to claim insurance.

She explained that though they receive treatments in government hospitals, there are still costs such as screenings, transportation, and even the need for a companion during their treatments.

The evening included a ribbon cutting followed by the gong sounding ceremony. Also, included was a musical drama which showcased the heart of BCSGJB, a production created entirely by the members.

The drama ends with a lively roadshow, showcasing BCSG’s mission of spreading breast cancer consciousness.

The South Front String ensemble gave a splendid presentation that enthralled the crowd.