Pink Challengers at UCSI Hospital

PORT DICKSON 14th Nov 2023 – UCSI HOSPITAL BREAST & ENDOCRINE 

On the 8th November 2023, Tan Sri Dr.Noor Hisham, Chairman of UCSI Health Care Group received a visit by the Ladies from Pink Challengers and Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA). 

They had a long discussion, with many topics discussed.

In the meeting, Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham said that, “It is a known fact that women diagnosed with breast cancer had long been told that repetitive upper body motion could cause a condition called lymphedema, which is swelling that’s relatively common in the arms of breast cancer survivors who have had their lymph nodes removed and worst given the radiotherapy. This lymphedema is irreversible and can lead to other more serious complications such as cellulitis and chronic pain”. 

“Interestingly physical therapist recommended the dragon boat racing and showed positive development and can prevent the development of lymphedema”. 

In responds, Debbie Wong, President of Pink Challengers said, “The key message that Pink Challengers aim to bring to the public at large is “ With early detection and timely treatment, one can continue to live a normal and active life” thereby changing the attitude of the public towards breast cancer”. 

“Many breast cancer survivors have taken up dragon boat racing and paddling, as this builts the ladies Courage, Strength and a change of mindset against the negative perception of breast cancer”.  

Debbie added, “The Pink Challengers dragon boat racing activities helps their mental and social well being in the process of recovery.

Debbie Wong, has been the President of Pink Challengers Malaysia since 2020.

Tan Sri Dr.Noor Hisham added, “I am thrilled to share their positive vibes and their good deeds to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Indeed health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. 

“I have been invited to join Pink Challengers Ladies in training for the International Dragon Boat Regatta. I believe together we can overcome all obstacles and free our minds for a fast recovering and healing”.

UCSI Hospital will see a future collaboration between Pink Challengers, BCWA, and Tan Sri Dr.Noor Hisham, on supporting breast cancer survivors and how breast health community outreach has and can further impacted women across Malaysia.

Future plans are to provide members of the public with the help of UCSI Hospital with free clinical breast examinations (CBE), for community outreach programs at Negeri Sembilan. 

This is a free service provided by UCSI Hospital and supported by Ladies from Pink Challengers are to anyone who are able to gather groups of women (typically 30years old – 100 years old) to educate them on breast health, in Negeri Sembilan.

Currently, no such activities has been done in Negeri Sembilan thus, making UCSI Hospital to bring forth this project on the Greater Southern part of Malaysia.

More details will be released soon in early 2024.