The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 I had hoped that today’s Motion on breast cancer would be moved in this House by a male MP on behalf of women, to drive home a special point. In our Tamil-speaking communities—Tamils, Muslims, and Hill Country Tamils—awareness about early detection is very low. I read the booklet given today; it would have been even better if the self-examination guidance had also been in Tamil.

¶ 02 I want to ask the men here: when did we last discuss breast cancer with our mothers, wives, daughters or sisters, and encourage them to get examined after age 20, especially beyond 40? In our communities, there is reluctance to speak openly about this, even within families. Some feel that mastectomy is a great shame; that is deeply unfair.

¶ 03 I thank the Hon. Minister for citing a famous Hollywood actress—one of my favourites—who spoke publicly about surgery related to breast cancer, which builds social awareness.

¶ 04 I humbly request that we become role models—speak to the women in our families and communities, raise awareness of the simple self-examination and the need to consult medical professionals, and make it clear that breast cancer is treatable. I thank the mover and seconder, and urge continuous awareness-raising among our mothers, wives, daughters—everyone. Thank you.