Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in Malaysia, with 1 in 19 women at risk of developing the disease in their lifetime. The majority of cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 40 and 60, making early detection crucial in improving survival rates. However, many women in Malaysia continue to be diagnosed at later stages due to various barriers, including lack of awareness, cultural stigmas, and limited access to healthcare services.
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as Pink October, Duopharma Biotech Berhad joined forces with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) to launch a mission of profound significance: “Pink Unity – Achieving 6,600 Breast Cancer Screenings in 1 Month.” This campaign, held from October 4 to November 4, 2023, successfully facilitated 6,772 breast cancer screenings, surpassing its original goal. The significance of the number 6,600 was chosen to commemorate 66 years of Malaysia’s independence, symbolising a new hope for early detection and the preservation of countless lives.
The screenings were conducted across various locations in Malaysia, utilising a range of methods, including Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE), mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and Duopharma Biotech’s innovative iBreastExam—a handheld, FDA-cleared device that enables healthcare professionals to detect breast lumps early. This portable device is particularly noteworthy for its efficiency, as it allows screenings to be completed within minutes without any pain or radiation, making it accessible and convenient for women across the country.
The Pink Unity 6600 Campaign was bolstered by strategic partnerships with several esteemed organisations, including Estee Lauder Companies (Malaysia), Pink Unity-women cancer survivors’ community, the College of Radiology Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association Public Health Society, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). This collective effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, with each partner playing a pivotal role in the campaign’s success, paving the way for meaningful progress in breast cancer prevention and early detection in Malaysia.
The campaign’s success was not only measured by the number of screenings but also by the awareness and education it brought to communities across the nation. By surpassing its goal and screening 6,772 individuals within a month, the Pink Unity 6600 Campaign secured a place in the Malaysian Book of Records, marking a national achievement for the most cancer screenings conducted in a single campaign.
The campaign’s closing ceremony, held on November 5, 2023, was graced by several distinguished guests, including YB Sivakumar Varatharaju, Minister of Human Resources; En Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer – Commercial of Duopharma Biotech Berhad; YB P. Prabakaran, Batu MP and Member of the Special Select Committee on Health; Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, President of the Malaysian Medical Association; Datuk Shahul Dawood, CEO of HRD Corp – Human Resource Development Corporation; and Deborah Priya Henry, the Celebrity Ambassador for the Pink Unity campaign. Their presence underscored the significance of the campaign and the collective commitment to combating breast cancer in Malaysia.
Through this campaign, Duopharma Biotech, together with NCSM and its dedicated partners reaffirmed our commitment to fostering an environment where breast cancer is no longer a silent threat. By disseminating crucial information about the importance of regular screenings, raising awareness of risk factors, and offering support to those affected by breast cancer, we are empowering individuals to take control of their health. The Pink Unity 6600 Campaign is more than a milestone; it represents a mission to transform the landscape of breast cancer prevention and early detection in Malaysia, ultimately contributing to a healthier and brighter future for all Malaysians.
