“Sharing is my way of coping. The acceptance of my diagnosis comes with the sharing.”
Former radio deejay and host of the award-winning infotainment TV show 3R (Respek, Relaks, Respon), Kartini Ariffin was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in January 2023.
A former auditor, Kartini ended up winning a reality show-like search to be the new host of the groundbreaking 3R, joining Rafidah Abdullah and Celina Khor on the show for 10 years, until the programme ended in 2009. She stayed on for many years in the media industry, working in radio and broadcasting before deciding to venture out on her own as an entrepreneur, trainer and coach.
Two months after being diagnosed this year, Kartini, 45, felt it was important that she share her journey on her Instagram account. She revealed her diagnosis in a post in March, then followed this up with informative Reels on what she was going through, post-diagnosis.
Speaking to makchic exclusively, she revealed that it was not easy looking for people to follow on Instagram (within Malaysia) who were sharing their stories and talking about their journey. Admitting that maybe “ I didn’t dig deep enough”, she was ultimately looking for inspiration and survivor stories to help her cope.
“I know it’s not easy for someone who has been diagnosed to share their journey. I truly honour that. However, for me, this is my way of healing. I sincerely believe I have a calling to share whatever I’ve been going through (based only from my experience); from my surgery to radiation, to medication, to breaking the news to my children and the rest.”
In her Reels, Kartini uses visual aids, speaks clearly and confidently, while switching effortlessly between English and Bahasa Malaysia to break down the different areas of what she has been going through. She also covers various topics, such as treatment, breast cancer symptoms, the differences between a lumpectomy and mastectomy, post-surgery care, mental health, and more.
“If even one person can benefit from the content I’m putting up in terms of gaining insight and learning more about cancer, I am happy,” shared the mother of two.
You want to detect your tumour early, so you have the best chance of successful treatment.”
Kartini first realised she had a small lump on her left breast while taking a shower. “Instinctively, I decided to check my breast and almost immediately, felt it. It was small, like the size of a biji saga (saga seed), but I knew I felt something,” she said.
She decided to seek a doctor’s opinion the very next day, and was subsequently ordered to do a biopsy to check if the tumour was benign or malignant. Prior to this, Kartini had had her mammogram and ultrasound done every year since turning 40, with the all-clear. After a few days, she was given the news that she had Stage 1 breast cancer.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to catch this early on. Which is why self-exams, ultrasounds and mammograms are so important for women to follow up on,” she shares.
In January 2023, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri was quoted as saying that breast cancer recorded the highest percentage of common cancer diagnosed among women in Malaysia, at 34.1 percent. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Malaysia. Shockingly, almost 50% of new diagnoses are made in the disease’s advanced stages. Kartini shares:
You want to detect your tumour early so that you have the best chance for successful treatment. When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible, there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment and higher costs of care.”
Breast screening should be a priority for all women, as it is the only way to tell if there is anything abnormal about your breasts. It is recommended that breast self-exams are conducted regularly, and if you’ve never done one, TalkHealthAsia.com has an excellent video guide to take you through it.
| Breast Ultrasound | If you’re below 40 years old (once a year) |
| Mammogram | If you’re above 40 years old (once a year or two years once) |
Source: TalkHealthAsia.com
“There is a need to manage the fear of going for screenings”
Book your mammogram screening today. Source: National Cancer Society Malaysia
Since attending numerous events focusing on breast cancer awareness this year, Kartini has come to understand that even with free mammogram screenings offered by selected agencies, the response has been low. “There is a need to manage the fear some women feel of what they might find out. Some would rather not know. Therefore, they skip the screenings,” she shares.
Cancer Research Malaysia has highly stressed that mammograms are one of the most sensitive and specific ways of detecting breast cancer. They have also shared that according to The Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival report, the survival rate for stage 0 and 1 breast cancer is nearly 100%. Established in 2001, Cancer Research Malaysia is the only non-profit organisation in Malaysia dedicated to the research of cancers that commonly affect Malaysians and people around the region.
Each year, they organise multiple campaigns, awareness talks and subsidised mammogram programmes to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, so more women can come forward for early diagnosis and treatment.
At the conclusion of the interview, Kartini sits back and reflects on how the diagnosis has changed her perspective and priorities in life. Besides sharing her current life journey, she turns to journaling as a coping mechanism to manage her emotions, ensures she gets adequate rest, and has taken steps to increase her immune system and improve her eating habits.
“Many of my friends, especially those above 40, have thanked me on social media for creating awareness around the topic and advocating for early detection. Most importantly, it has served as a reminder to them to schedule their mammogram. This is what helps me. The acceptance for me, comes with the sharing.”
[*The contents of this interview have been edited for brevity and clarity.]
