This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BIG CARiNG Group is renewing the call for early detection and regular screening, reminding women that the first step to beating cancer is simply to get checked. Through its flagship cancer care and awareness initiative, Ribbon of Hope, the Group is working to make cancer awareness and prevention more accessible than ever, bringing screening, counselling, and support closer to where Malaysians live and work.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, accounting for nearly one in three female cancer cases. With more than half of these cases still diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, it shows that many women are finding out too late for the best possible treatment. Research also shows that almost half of all breast cancer cases in Malaysia occur before the age of 50, much earlier than in most Western populations. Despite this, reports indicate that only one in ten Malaysian women attends regular mammogram screening, which underscores the need to bring prevention into everyday spaces.
Wong Siew Lai, Chief Marketing Officer of BIG CARiNG Group said, “Breast cancer awareness should not end in October. It should be part of how we care for our communities every day. Through Ribbon of Hope, our goal is to make early detection simple, accessible, and trusted. Every pharmacy visit can be an opportunity to learn, every conversation can spark action, and every screening can change a life. We want women to know that taking that first step to check, to ask, to know, can make all the difference.”
Ribbon of Hope offers a holistic, end-to-end approach to community cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to remission and survivorship. Its initiatives span patient education, affordable access to cancer medicines, rehabilitation and recovery resources, as well as collaborations that promote early detection and risk reduction. To further support patients and their caregivers, the initiative also provides access to specialised counselling and dietitian services designed to help individuals and their families manage the physical, emotional, and nutritional challenges of cancer care. Last October, the Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) to strengthen cancer education, screening outreach, and prevention advocacy nationwide.
Beyond breast cancer, Ribbon of Hope is also empowering women to take charge of their overall health through greater awareness and regular screening for preventive cancer care. The initiative reaches deep into local communities to make women’s health education and services more accessible This includes efforts to raise awareness on HPV vaccination, which saw a significant drop after the pandemic, with only 39% of girls aged 15 and above receiving their first dose in 2022.
“By bringing these conversations and services closer to where women live, work, and shop, BIG CARiNG Group hopes to close the gap in prevention and build a stronger culture of early care among Malaysian women,” said Wong.
Programs under the initiative have also extended into hospitals and communities through initiatives such as hospital-linked CSR projects that provide rehabilitation equipment loans and cancer care packs, as well as awareness campaigns and free screening drives conducted in partnership with public hospitals, universities and local foundations to reach a wider audience.
Earlier this month, the Group co-organised a Women’s Health Awareness Day at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, which drew a strong turnout of 328 participants. The event also featured ROSE Foundation and National Cancer Council Malaysia (MAKNA) to raise awareness on breast and cervical cancer among university staff and students. These efforts reflect Ribbon of Hope’s core mission to reach as many people as possible, especially women who might otherwise miss early screening opportunities.
“Our vision is simple but urgent — cancer care shouldn’t begin after diagnosis. It should begin with awareness. By turning every pharmacy and partner into a point of prevention, we can help more Malaysians live longer, healthier lives. We want to build a culture where early screening is not just encouraged, but expected, and where no one is left behind because of cost, fear, or lack of access,” added Wong.
For more information on Ribbon of Hope, Malaysians are encouraged to visit their nearest BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Wellings Pharmacy or Ting Pharmacy stores. You can also follow CARiNG Pharmacy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/caring2u/) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/caringpharmacy_my/) or BIG Pharmacy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bigpharmacymy) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/bigpharmacymy/) to stay updated on upcoming screening events, cancer awareness programmes, and affordable cancer care initiatives.