KUALA LUMPUR, 22nd APRIL 2026– Hospital Picaso recently brought conversations on women’s health into an open and public setting with “Smashing Stigma, Serving Awareness: Pickleball Social Play with MIX FM”, held on 19 April 2026 at First Shot, Petaling Jaya.
Organised as part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to create awareness on women’s health, the event combined friendly pickleball matches with a specialist‑led panel discussion focused on endometriosis, a condition that remains widely misunderstood and lacks public awareness.
At the centre of the programme was “Paddles & Chat: Gynae Conversations On and Off Court”, a panel discussion featuring Hospital Picaso’s Consultant Gynaecologists, Dr Tan Ee Ping, Dr Sharifah Halimah Jaafar, Dr Debbie Teh Sue-Jian and Dr Michael Lim Chung Keat, Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynae-Oncologist. The panel session offered attendees the opportunity to interact directly with Hospital Picaso’s consultant gynaecologists outside of a conventional clinical environment.
The session was hosted by popular Radio Deejays Aishah Sinclair and Ryan “RD” De Alwis of MIX FM, whose engaging and relatable hosting style helped guide the discussion.
The panel unpacked what endometriosis really is, how chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms are often normalised or dismissed, and why many patients experience years‑long delays in diagnosis, frequently being misdiagnosed with conditions such as fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infertility or heavy menstrual bleeding.
“There is still a real gap in how women understand what is normal and what should not be ignored. Too often, pain is minimised, symptoms are normalised, and many delay seeking help because of fear, uncertainty or stigma. We wanted to create a setting where these conversations feel less intimidating, while still giving people access to credible medical perspectives,” said Dr Tan Ee Ping, Consultant Gynaecologist, Hospital Picaso at the event.
Dr Tan also stressed that early diagnosis for endometriosis is crucial to reducing complications and preserving fertility.
“It is important to acknowledge that many women with endometriosis still face delays in diagnosis,” she said. “Severe menstrual pain, persistent pelvic discomfort, or symptoms that disrupt daily life are not normal and should not be dismissed.”
The team of doctors also added that early referral to specialised care can reduce recurrence and avoid repeated surgeries. The team of specialists also highlighted that endometriosis can involve surrounding organs such as the bowel and bladder, which is why a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is often necessary.
This collaboration between gynaecologists and other specialists such as urologists and colorectal surgeons is available at Hospital Picaso.
The discussion also extended to malignant endometriosis, with Dr Michael Lim Chung Keat, Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynae‑Oncologist at Hospital Picaso, shedding light on this rare but serious progression of the disease. Malignant endometriosis refers to cases where endometriotic tissue undergoes cancerous change.
He emphasised that although most endometriosis cases remain benign, changes in symptoms or pain patterns should never be ignored, and early medical evaluation is key to improving outcomes.
Beyond the panel discussion, the event featured a range of interactive touchpoints including booth activations, on‑ground health screenings, and rotational pickleball matches, creating an inclusive and engaging environment that encouraged both learning and participation.
Attendees were treated to complimentary coffee throughout the morning, while a flower‑making booth offered a symbolic space for creativity and reflection, linking the act of making something beautiful to themes of resilience, healing and empowerment often associated with navigating conditions such as endometriosis.
The MIX booth further contributed to the experience with music therapy, allowing participants to test their knowledge, spark conversations around emotional health, and to stand a chance to win curated goodies.
