Call for women to know more, fear less & act against breast cancer

Softlan, Malaysia’s leading brand of fabric conditioner, launched its third consecutive annual Breast Cancer Charity Campaign at Giant Hypermarket, Kota Damansara today in conjunction with World Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Rosnah Shirlin binti Haji Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Deputy Minister of Health Malaysia and Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director of Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn Bhd. Among those present were Ian Cruddas, Merchandising Director of GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Tammy Tam, Vice-President of Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), Farahida Binti Farid, General Manager of Majilis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA), Lena Abdullah, President of Pink Unity, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin placing a pink ribbon on the model of the charity pack, witnessed by (foreground, L-R) Charlene Chew, board member of NCSM; Tammy Tam, vice president of BCWA; Farahida bt. Farid, general manager of MAKNA; (background, L-R); Ian cruddas, merchandising director of GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd; Chris Pikounis, marketing director of Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn Bhd; and Issam Bachaalani, managing director of Colgate-Palmolive Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Softlan’s Breast Cancer Charity Campaign is Colgate-Palmolive’s annual charity campaign that aims to raise contributions for promoting public awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer. For every purchase of specially-marked SOFTLAN charity packs throughout November, Softlan will contribute 10 sen to support MAKNA, NCSM and BCWA in their quest to raise awareness on the significant threat of breast cancer to women in Malaysia.

Mr. Issam Bachaalani said, “Breast cancer can strike anyone, especially the most important women in our lives – mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, best friends. With SOFTLAN’s Breast Cancer Charity Campaign, we hope to help women realise that self-awareness and early detection are the best protection against breast cancer.”

Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin visiting the educational booths and consultation areas of the marquee at the SOFTLAN Breast Cancer Charity Campaign launch at GIANT Hypermarket Kota Damansara.

In Malaysia, one in twenty women is at risk of developing breast cancer and about 30% of Malaysian women are now suffering from it. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness, fear of the disease, and worries about social stigma can keep some women from taking charge of their overall breast health, like making a doctor’s appointment or seeking medical treatment.

“In line with Softlan’s tagline which is ‘Soft as a Mother’s Touch’, we would like to urge women – especially mothers – to know more, fear less, and care for their own health in the same way they show their loving care to their family,” Mr. Bachaalani encouraged.

Throughout the month of November, Softlan is bringing check-up clinics to 11 major supermarket locations throughout Peninsular Malaysia, so women can conveniently get free check-ups and learn about breast self-examination from doctors and trained nurses.

Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin being shown the special charity packs accompanied by representatives of Colgate-Palmolive and the charity partners, where 10 sen from each sale will go to the work of the charity partners.

Subsidised rates on mammograms are also being offered by Softlan’s partner breast cancer charities – a new addition to this year’s campaign to help those who could not afford breast screening. Under this year’s campaign, NCSM is offering a digital mammogram and Pap smear for a subsidised rate of RM100 via a cut-out coupon on the charity campaign’s press advertisements, redeemable at their offices until the 31st of December.

“More than educate women about breast cancer, the campaign will provide a practical means for consumers to contribute towards the work of our charity partners. This includes subsidising the costs for examinations, mammograms, mobile clinics and other costly procedures required to detect and diagnose breast cancer. Contributions will go a long way in extending a saving lifeline to those who do not already have access to breast cancer screenings,” explained Mr. Bachaalani.

The campaign, which is already on its third year, aims to raise RM75,000 in contributions this year. With the generosity of Malaysian consumers, Softlan was able to raise a total of RM151,732 in the last two campaigns, which went on to support the programmes of its partner charities including mobile screening units, mammogram devices, supportive care trainings, and educational initiatives in Malaysia’s rural areas.

Matheus Trevizoli Barrachi, Manager, International Division of MAKNA said, “We are appreciative that an organisation like Colgate-Palmolive supports the programme to shed light on breast cancer. I am sure, in time, many more organisations will recognise and support causes like these, which are very much community-driven.”

“It is great that companies like Colgate-Palmolive are coming forth to help do their bit in advocating for the early detection of breast cancer by involving the public in their campaign. This creates a win-win situation where Colgate-Palmolive helps raise funds to support future breast cancer charity events and at the same time, engage the public to participate,” remarked Rubi-Ain Dahlan, Managing Director of NCSM.

Ranjit Kaur, President of BCWA added, “The Softlan Breast Cancer Charity Campaign 2011 by Colgate-Palmolive can certainly help many women in rural areas to be aware that early detection is the best protection.”

The public is invited to visit the free breast check-ups and to learn about breast self-examination at the following venues and dates: