KUALA NERUS: To improve the early detection rate of breast cancer among women, particularly in the rural areas of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, Sultan Zainal Abidin Hospital (HoSZA) provides a mobile 3D Mammogram Truck that can be accessed throughout Malaysia.
HoSZA director Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Zubaidi A. Latif said the mobile Mammogram Truck is equipped with a Selenia Dimensions 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram machine, made in the United States.
He said this advanced technology was capable of providing high-quality images with highly important diagnostic value for the early detection of breast cancer.
He added that to complement the service, the truck is also equipped with an ultrasound machine for additional and more comprehensive analysis.
"The truck is also integrated with the Total Hospital Information System (THIS) to facilitate patient registration and examination requests.
"With the support of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS), mammogram images can be sent directly from the truck to the PACS system for analysis by radiology specialists at HoSZA, remotely through teleradiology, as well as to other hospitals both locally and internationally via the latest communication technology."
Dr Zubaidi said this in a statement today.
Earlier, the launching ceremony for the 3D Tomosynthesis Mobile Mammogram was officiated by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) in conjunction with the Putrajaya Ideas Festival.
Meanwhile, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam said the 3D Mobile Mammogram Truck was a proactive step in providing access to breast cancer screenings.
This, he said, was especially so for women in rural areas with limited access to healthcare services.
"Through this programme, HoSZA hopes to increase the detection of breast cancer cases while also raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
"This project provides an opportunity for more women to undergo screenings either for free or at a minimal cost," he said.
According to Fadzli, this initiative not only demonstrates the commitment of UniSZA and HoSZA in empowering women's healthcare, but also reflects the goals of the Higher Education Ministry's Prihatin Madani goals in building a healthier and more prosperous society.
He said efforts were being made to to address the main issue of detecting breast cancer at an early stage, increasing chances of a person achieving full recovery.
He said that this concept is further strengthened with the launch of the Cempaka (Cegah Sebelum Parah Kanser Payudara, or Prevent Breast Cancer Before It Gets Worse) website.
He added that the aim was to raise awareness about early detection, provide basic knowledge about the treatments available through the Madani government, and most importantly, spread this awareness among all members of society, including teenagers.