The World (And HTO) Goes Pink for PinkTober

First founded in 1985, PinkTober turned October to a month-long campaign towards raising breast cancer awareness. It was the first of its kind that the world have seen which broke grounds on conventional issues relating to breast cancer.

Brunei’s Breast Cancer Support Group (BBCSG) was founded by a group of volunteers, including professionals ranging from doctors, dietitians, social workers, all with expertise in breast cancer. The first president of the group was Ms Hani binti Trasil. Since then it was passed down from one president to another, and now currently YDP Ratu Hjh Aminah binti Hj Momin elected as president, with Dr. Shafiq bin Abdullah as advisor.

The non-profit support group dedicated to assisting women diagnosed with breast cancer was then formally established on the 25th of October, 2004.

We had the privilege in connecting with YDP Ratu Hjh Aminah earlier this month. Since then, we’ve decided to dedicate this feature article to the group that aims to empower patients and survivors of breast cancer in Brunei Darussalam.

Foundation of the BBCSG

Since establishment, the group’s major focus is on providing emotional support, counselling, and accurate information to survivors and their families. This also includes assisting them in achieving maximum physical, psychological, and cosmetic recovery. 

It has since also become a place for women to share their stories and get support from one another. BBCSG has helped immensely with the survivors in dealing with their anxieties, frustrations, and unawareness about their general condition. Not to mention, helping them understand the different therapies available across the nation.

How Cancer Affects a Patient’s Life

Patients who experiences discomfort after chemotherapy are to be given 10 days off work. This is to ensure their recovery for the next chemotherapy treatment. Although chemo treatments may vary from patient to patient.

Stated YDP Ratu Hjh Aminah, the president of BBCSG, when we asked regarding the kind of treatments breast cancer patients go through during their lifetime. On average, patients undergo chemotherapy at least 3 times a week following the amounts of chemo given at the time. The president herself, have received 6 cycles of chemo while her peers, 4 cycles. 

She remembered vividly that after just 2 days undergoing chemo, she had lost her appetite as mouth ulcers started to grow. This lead to her having severe weight loss problems. Apart from losing weight, she was also bombarded with ailments such as hair loss, tooth pain, leg feeling lethargic, sleep deprivation and even mood swings.

YDP Ratu Hjh Aminah fought through her battle by accepting her fate, conducting Sunnah prayers, as well as reciting the Quran to receive Allah’s blessing into her recovery. Fast forward to today, she had made a remarkable recovery and looks better than ever!

Conducting a Self-Examination

Needless to say, we hope that none would have to go through the same harrowing experience as YDP Ratu Hj Aminah did. As precautionary measures, I’ve found this handy infographic that you can use to check for any early signs of breast cancer. Be sure to bookmark this article in case you need to refer back!

breast cancer infographic

Those aged between 40 to 50 years old are more at risk of breast cancer, and the youngest at 18 years according to the data from BBCSG. Significantly, breast cancer does not occur exclusively to women but to men as well. Case in point, everyone should take some time to do self-examination without presumptions. If you notice any of these changes occurring to your body, remember NOT to panic and visit a doctor immediately.

In addition, because various types of breast cancer exist, the risk factors come in many approaches. These approaches can derive from:

  • A family history of breast cancer
  • Being obese (check here to know if you are obese or not)e
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Overconsuming alcohol
  • Aging
  • Not being physically active

Essentially, leave old habits that may potentially increase the likelihood of breast cancer. If you are living healthily then you’ll most likely going to be okay! As per our usual advice, remember to consume a healthy amount of fruits, vegetables, homemade juice or even fish; while trying to maintain a healthy weight by being physically active.

Disclaimer: Symptoms may vary for each. You can read more on breast cancer risk factors here.

Support Provided by BBCSG

BBCSG provides support from various angles including providing safe space for those going through cancer battles. 

Some of the many efforts that has been done by the BBCSG ranges from providing moral support, specially designed brassieres for mastectomy patients, donations and more. Aside from that, they also perform recitals of the Quran during PinkTober in fulfillment of keeping their spiritual needs healthy.

On Pink Day, the group can be seen handing out donation for cancer patients. The public also receives the famous pink ribbon pins in support of raising breast cancer awareness. The committee of the BBCSG also conducts sharing sessions and seminars to spread awareness on breast cancer.

Avoiding Financial Burden 

Treating breast cancer can be costly because we all want the best treatment out there. This is something that most tend to overlook until they actually have to pay the bills. Long term lifestyle change expenditures such as nursing, caring, medicine and such can be a heavy financial burden. This impacts more particularly on the low income holders and those who are uninsured.

Did you know that there’s a special insurance policy plan that provides 20 years coverage for cancer patients?

Well you do know now! You should see it as an importance to own a policy that provides you peace of mind. That way you can guarantee financial security for your future self in case anything unwanted would to happen! 

Getting Help Is NOT A Sign of Weakness

Being strong when you’re a patient or a survivor of any illness/disease can get exhausting. Cancer is not something to fight just physically but also emotionally, along with the trauma and various treatments that follow. It can be draining. 

Apart from BBCSG, there are many other organizations that comprehends the struggle that a breast cancer patient goes through. Allowing them to share their stories can help guide wandering patients to better handle their current condition. Let’s keep in mind that even a small act of kindness goes a long way, because we don’t know what others are battling with in silence. 

To those battling cancer out there, you are stronger than you think.

Further Information

To contact them, simply find them on their Facebook account.

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Very informative. Didn’t know such support group existed. Massive respect for the president