KOTA BHARU - The Pink Ribbon Centre (PRC) at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZ II) officially began operations on Feb 16, offering early detection and comprehensive treatment for breast cancer patients.
Kelantan Health Department (JKNK) director Datuk Dr Zaini Husin said the centre would provide more holistic care, ensuring better support for patients.
Established in collaboration with Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM), the PRC is equipped with advanced cancer detection tools and staffed by specialised nurses trained in breast cancer care.
"In addition to HRPZ II, similar centres have been set up at Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Sungai Petani Hospital in Kedah, operating five days a week from 8am to 5pm.
"The centre offers counselling, specialist consultations, breast ultrasounds, mammograms, and biopsies-all without the need for prior appointments, as patients can simply walk in."
He said this after the 2025 Kelantan World Cancer Day Celebration at the HRPZ II Day Care Complex Auditorium recently, attended by Yayasan Kaseh Kanser dan Kronik (YKKK) chairman and founder Datuk Dr Imi Sairi Ab Hadi.
Dr Zaini added that CRM had also provided two skilled nurses to guide and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
"Previously, there were no dedicated nurses to assist cancer patients. Now, if a patient misses treatment, they will receive a reminder, and in necessary cases, nurses will visit their homes," he said.
He also noted a rise in cancer cases in Kelantan, with 1,616 new diagnoses in 2023, compared to 1,468 in 2022. Breast cancer remains the most prevalent, followed by colorectal and lung cancer.
"Currently, 30 to 40 per cent of patients are diagnosed at stage one or two, accentuating the importance of early detection and timely treatment," he added. - BERNAMA