Cover Lim Kim Foong, president of Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA) (Photo: Daniel Adams)
Lim Kim Foong, president of Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA) (Photo: Daniel Adams)
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Discover how Lim Kim Foong’s breast cancer diagnosis led her down a path she never expected to take
Lim Kim Foong’s path to becoming the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA) president is a remarkable and deeply personal one, marked by an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. She initially dismissed the swelling in her right breast as due to stress or minor discomfort but sought medical attention when the symptoms persisted. Unfortunately, her first encounter with a general surgeon did not result in a thorough examination, and it was only after the swelling persisted that she sought a second opinion, ultimately leading to her breast cancer diagnosis.
“So, the worst scenario happened and I was let go from my job, which was not surprising as this was happening everywhere during the pandemic. After a few months of sitting on the lump, I realised it was not going away. I always felt like I could wake up, and it was just a bad dream that would go away. But it kept growing, and I could feel it growing,” she recalls. Finally, she sought a second opinion, which led to an appointment with a breast surgeon.
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Above October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Photo: Getty Images/MarsBars)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Photo: Getty Images/MarsBars)
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Her visit to a breast surgeon and subsequent mammogram made the reality of breast cancer sink in. The surgeon explained the different stages of breast cancer and the need for a biopsy to determine the extent of her condition. Despite hoping for an early-stage diagnosis, the biopsy results revealed that she had stage 2 breast cancer, which required a lumpectomy. However, during the surgery, the surgeon discovered that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. As a result, she had to undergo the removal of 24 lymph nodes, with six of them being cancerous.
“So immediately, I was categorised as stage 3A, and the type of cancer I had was the triple-negative variant, which was the most aggressive form of cancer. Honestly, it might be the worst news I could hear, to have cancer at 39,” Lim says.
The oncologist outlined a rigorous treatment plan involving 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiotherapy. Despite the daunting road ahead, Lim resolved to face the challenge with determination. Her chemotherapy sessions came with their own set of hurdles, from unexpected infections to the physical toll on her body. In addition to losing her job, she also tragically experienced losing a loved one during this tumultuous period.
“After my fourth chemo session, my brother passed away, which really took a toll on me, especially since I still had a long way to go for my recovery. He was a single parent, and my nephew was only ten then. My mom, who was elderly, was in home care. I wasn’t working. I think that was the time when I really wanted to give up,” Lim shares. But with the support of her aunt and uncle, who took care of her nephew and arranged the funeral, Lim could focus on her treatment, and after seven months, she was declared cancer-free.
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To serve others
Today, she serves as president of the BCWA, a role that allows her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of breast cancer patients and survivors. Founded in 1986, BCWA has grown from a Malaysian NGO into a globally affiliated organisation through its association with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The core mission revolves around education, psychosocial support, and recovery. Lim emphasises that their outreach efforts extend to various corners of Malaysia, focusing on underserved communities.
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Without needing to speak, you’re assured that we can go through this together.
Her connection with BCWA began during her treatment when she met a BCWA representative who shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor. This encounter provided Lim with much-needed assurance and encouragement. “Prior to my diagnosis, I’d never heard of BCWA. I’d never met anyone with breast cancer. But this lady who had been a survivor for more than ten years talked to me and explained everything to me, sharing her own experiences as a survivor, and that gave me great assurance,” she recalls.
“At that point, I felt that BCWA is so important because we feel vulnerable when we’re diagnosed. Even though your friends and family are there for you, they don’t really understand it at the end of the day because they’re not going through it. But a survivor will be on the same wavelength as you. Without needing to speak, you’re assured that we can go through this together. So, after completing my treatment, I started as a volunteer. That made me very happy. As I heal others, I was healing myself too,” she adds.
A gap in health literacy
Above statistics showing that one out of 19 women faces the risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime (Photo: Getty Images/xavieranau
statistics showing that one out of 19 women faces the risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime (Photo: Getty Images/xavieranau
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Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Malaysia, with alarming statistics showing that one out of 19 women faces the risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Lim emphasises a gap in health literacy, stating: “Even here in urban areas, we know about health check-ups, but how many of us actually go for them annually? So, health literacy is lacking in the community. You can be as smart as you want, but how much do you really know about your health?”
Awareness is crucial, but other factors compound the challenges of battling breast cancer in Malaysia. Healthcare costs play a significant role, with a dual-level system of public and private healthcare. “Private healthcare is expensive, while public facilities face resource constraints and long queues. Those in rural areas often struggle to access adequate treatment,” she says. Lim also points to cultural misconceptions about breast cancer, leading some to opt for traditional treatments or, alarmingly, to refuse treatment entirely due to the fear of losing a breast and the identity they associate with it.
Lim offers a message of hope to those facing breast cancer, urging individuals to persevere and emphasising that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. She says, “My message would be to persevere, and don’t give up. There are survivors and organisations to provide you with all the information and support to walk the journey with you. And when you complete your treatment, you may have this fear of remission. It’s normal. But try to keep busy and move forward with life.”
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
