| Rokiah Mahmud |
BRUNEI Darussalam is witnessing an increase in the number of breast cancer patients. In 2015, 118 new breast cancer cases were reported, compared to 99 cases in 2014 and 78 cases in 2016.
This was revealed during a sharing session with a number of breast cancer survivors last night, organised in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annually held in October to highlight the importance of raising awareness on breast cancer.
During the session, a num-ber of cancer survivors shared their stories, detailing how they fought themselves to get out of the disease and overcome the dilemma, myths and misconceptions associated with breast cancer. They also explained their symptoms as well as preventive measures they have taken, and most importantly, how to help themselves in their battle against cancer.
Lili Yong, the owner of specialty undergarment making firm Lilli Lingerie, told the media that she decided to organise the talk and sharing session with breast cancer survivors as the illness is on the rise in the Sultanate.
According to Lili, it is important to wear the ‘best fit bra’ after having mastectomy or undergoing breast surgery. During her visit to the Occupational Therapy at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, she said she was told the patients will be given their supply from the hospital, but, since women’s bra sizes vary, some might have difficulties in finding the perfectly fitted item to accommodate their size.
“I was thinking how this bra could balance both sides so that it would look perfect and balanced. Therefore, I did some research and went for a training at ANITA, a specialist undergarment making company that supplies special bras for patients who have undergone mastectomy,” she added.
During the sharing session, Betsy Aveda shared the ordeal she survived successfully. She was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. Betsy said she went for a medical check-up in her home country the Philippines, after experiencing continuous pain which she had experienced on her breast for almost three months.
Betsy Aveda, Irene and Susan Smith in a group photo with Lili Yong, the owner of Lilli Lingerie. – BAHYIAH BAKIR
After going through several medical examinations, her doctor confirmed that she has cancer which is between stages 0-1.
Betsy said she was fortunate to receive early treatment which helped her prevent the disease from spreading. “I didn’t have any special experience during that time as there was no cancer history in our family. But, I started imagining things that I saw in movies or television. But I did trust my doctor; I followed all his advise and looked after myself by practising a healthy lifestyle and taking positively everything that has happened.
“Since it was at an early stage, there was no need to go through chemotherapy, but I underwent 35 radiation sessions,” she said.
“I could survive the illness, which helped me lead a happy life and to be positive. I underwent medical treatment at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). It took only three months and then doctors advised me to stop mammogram and have regular check-up annually.”
Unlike Betsy, Irene, another cancer survivor, explained that her journey to recovery was painful and she almost lost her life during her first chemotherapy.
She was an ambitious and strong person, and it was in 2011 she realised that she has breast cancer, which totally changed her entire life perspective.
“When the doctor told me that my breast cancer is at stage 1, I felt like a whole building crushing on my head. I fell, and kept myself inside the room for months in fear, after losing the last bit of my confidence.
Luckily, I had strong support from my family and friends which encouraged me to stand up on my feet and lead a positive life,” she said.
Irene is now cancer free for almost five years, but she still takes her regular medicine and undergoes regular check-ups.
For Susan Smith, who fought breast cancer successfully, being positive is the most important thing in life.
“Take things one day at a time. The journey to recovery, once you are diagnosed with breast cancer, is not an easy task.
“Some may not be prepared like me. My years of recovery were painful and for three months I could not eat anything other than canned food and lemonade. All foods taste so awful. But I strived myself to be positive, pinning trust on my doctor,” she said.
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