NEOPLASIA 3/2017

ISSUE 03 / 2017 PP9164 / 08 / 2012 ( 030729 )

Expedition Mount Elbrus – Persatuan Kembara Negara - PAGE 08

I Believe in Eliminating Cancer – This is My Pledge Against Cancer (MPAC) - Page 11

MAKNA CANCER RESEARCH AWARD 2016 - Page15

editorial PENASIHAT / ADVISORS Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin Farahida Mohd Farid EDITORIAL Prema Ramasamy PENYUMBANG / CONTRIBUTORS Ayappa V.Subramaniam Christopher Ruddy Foong Dr. Oon Chern Ein Nhan T Dinh Priyadarshini Subramaniam Ratnawati Abu Bakar Shahriman Haiqal Tan Pei Yun Vemanna Appannah DITERBITKAN OLEH / PUBLISHED BY MAKNA (Majlis Kanser Nasional / National Cancer Council) BG 03A & 05, Ground Floor, Megan Ambassy, 225 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

T +603-2162 9178 F +603-2162 9203 E makna@makna.org.my www.makna.org.my www.facebook.com/maknacancer www.twitter.com/makna_malaysia DICETAK OLEH / PRINTED BY Percetakan Jiwabaru Sdn Bhd No.2 Jalan P/8, Kawasan MIEL Fasa 2, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43650 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

T +603-8925 6688 F +603-8925 1688 REKACIPTA / DESIGN SG Global Support Services Sdn Bhd Level 18, Axiata Tower, No. 9 Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, KL Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.

T +603-2260 1717 F +603 2260 2211 www.sgglobalsupport.com

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The content here is general in nature and is provided for information purpose only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Please consult your physician on any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

contents 01 From the President’s Desk

NEWS & HAPPENINGS 05 Dari Mata Kita Melihat, Dengan Hati Kita Dekati, Dengan Tangan Kita Hulurkan 07 An Admirable Act of Kindness - MEPS Donates RM250,000 to Benefit Needy Cancer Patients 08 Expedition Mount Elbrus – Persatuan Kembara Negara

INTERNATIONAL 09 Laugh-lah! Surfing Tropical Heatwave with Love, Laugh and Life-Giving Joy in Ha Noi 10 Phong, The Little Warrior

COVER STORY 11 I Believe in Eliminating Cancer – This is My Pledge Against Cancer (MPAC)

RESEARCH 15 MAKNA Cancer Research Award 2016 – Recepient Profile 17 Hallmarks of Cancer: The dreadful 10 killer traits

VOLUNTEER 23 MAKNA Club Takes Root in Higher Education Institutes 21 Bringing Smiles through a Work of Heart 23 Kumpulan Sokongan Kanser: Keluarga kedua penyakit kanser 25 Klimb Kinabalu 2017: 29 August – 1 September

PRESIDENT’S DESK

Dear friends, As we welcome the new year, I look back and feel grateful for so much good that has come MAKNA’s way. In particular, I feel a wave of gratitude for our committed direct debit donors and our heroic ‘My Pledge Against Cancer’ (MPAC) team, the groundwork on which MAKNA and all our cancer patients are able to confidently move forward each day.

In this issue, we honour the commitment and efforts of our direct debit donors and the MPAC team. The MPAC Direct Debit Donor Programme has been MAKNA’s main source of income since 2002. The majority of funds that our direct debit donors contribute to MAKNA goes towards bursary assistance for cancer patients. In the past year, 13,426 new direct debit donors made a commitment to keeping underprivileged cancer patients and their families afloat. These are ordinary people with extraordinarily big hearts.

The people who sought them out are mainly from the MPAC team, consisting of Fund Development Officers and Executives, who visit organisations and individuals at offices, banks, schools, hospitals, malls and other places. The team holds events and finds every opportunity to speak to members of the public about the cancer cause, with the aim of increasing both awareness and regular donations to MAKNA. Just one patient out of the average 5,000 new cases that are referred to us each year will need about RM50,000 to meet the costs of their treatment.

With our current cancer patients, the number of patients MAKNA supports is increasing every year. It takes at great deal of determination and strong faith in one’s work to persevere despite the odds. As the front-runners of MAKNA, the MPAC team continues to stay motivated when they see all the services and programs that MAKNA ultimately delivers to support the cancer community.

Our direct debit donors and MPAC Team are the unsung heroes who shoulder this great burden, the way Atlas holds up the world on his shoulders. Our cancer patients depend on them as much as MAKNA trusts in them to meet the rising need in Malaysia’s cancer community.

On behalf of MAKNA, I wish you all a fulfilling 2018 and thank you for making 2017 another year of hope and life for cancer patients.

Farid NEOPLASIA ISSUE 03/2017

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PRESIDENT’S DESK

Saudara & Saudari Sekalian, Melangkah ke tahun baru 2018, terlalu banyak pencapaian MAKNA yang perlu disyukuri.

Secara dasarnya, saya amat berterima kasih kepada penderma debit secara langsung serta para pengumpul dana yang amat komited dalam membantu MAKNA dan pesakit yang melalui kanser untuk meneruskan kehidupan dengan penuh keyakinan.

Dalam edisi kali ini, kami mengiktiraf komitmen anda dalam membantu mengekalkan perkhidmatan MAKNA untuk jangkamasa yang panjang. Beberapa tahun yang lepas, ramai penderma telah mendaftar sebagai penderma debit secara langsung untuk memberi harapan baru kepada pesakit kanser yang kurang bernasib baik serta keluarga mereka bagi meneruskan kehidupan. Benarlah kata orang, anda tidak perlu mempunyai kuasa luar biasa untuk menjadi hero. Andalah hero yang membantu dan menerangi semula hari-hari mereka. Tiada kata-kata yang mampu menggambarkan betapa besarnya jasa anda dalam memberi harapan dan sinar baru bukan sahaja kepada pesakit kanser, malah kepada ahli keluarga mereka untuk menerima laluan mudah bagi mendapatkan rawatan.

Disebalik setiap pendaftaran baru oleh penderma debit secara langsung, berdirinya sekumpulan wira yang tidak didendang – pengumpul dana MAKNA: Unit “My Pledge Against Cancer� program debit langsung (MPAC), Unit Pameran MAKNA, Unit pengumpul dana, Unit mammogram bergerak serta semua kakitangan dan sukarelawan MAKNA. Usaha daripada setiap jabatan ini bermakna setiap kakitangan mengambil inisiatif dalam meningkatkan kesedaran berkaitan kanser dan sekaligus menarik minat orang ramai untuk menjadi penderma debit langsung MAKNA. Melihat setiap usaha mereka membuahkan hasil yang positif adalah sesuatu yang amat membanggakan. Perkara seperti ini memberikan keyakinan terhadap kepercayaan di antara penderma dan juga MAKNA; ketelusan yang kami lakukan di MAKNA membolehkan kami mengekalkan masa depan MAKNA untuk terus membantu komuniti kanser.

Tanpa sumbangan yang berterusan dari anda, mustahil untuk MAKNA meneruskan apa yang kami mulakan sekian lama kerana permintaan yang semakin meninggi setiap hari.

Bagi mengekalkan pendapatan yang stabil sepertimana anda melihat MAKNA kini, ia memerlukan keazaman dan semangat yang kuat dan tabah, oleh yang demikian saya amat berterima kasih kepada kumpulan pengumpul dana kerana terus bersemangat untuk maju kehadapan.

Dan kepada seluruh penderma dan penderma debit secara langsung MAKNA, anda umpama tunjang utama dalam membantu dan memastikan MAKNA terus mara dan berjaya. Teruslah menyumbang untuk pesakit kanser dan kajian berkaitan Kanser agar ianya bertambah maju kehadapan. Mari terus menentang kanser bersama pada tahun 2018, dan berharap suatu hari nanti kanser akan dapat di basmi terus, selamanya!

Farid WWW.MAKNA.ORG.MY

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PRESIDENT’S DESK

亲爱的朋友们， 若您是MAKNA的银行直接扣款捐款者，请拨出您的少许时间接受我 们的表扬，感谢您作为MAKNA和我们所有癌症病患们能够自信迈向 每一天的基础。 自2002年起，“我的抗癌承诺”（My Pledge Against Cancer， 简称MPAC）银行直接扣款捐款计划已成为MAKNA的主要收入来源。 而大部分捐赠给MAKNA的善款皆纳为癌症病患们的补助金。因 此，MAKNA“我的抗癌承诺”计划的团队将继续仰赖慈善筹款员和 银行直接扣款捐款者来维持马来西亚社群日益增长的癌症需求。 MAKNA慈善筹款员们不断寻求各个组织和各大公司、银行、学校、 医院、购物中心和其他机构的援助。该团队主办各种活动，以寻求 每一个机会向公众解说致癌原因，以同时增加社会对MAKNA的认知 及恳求大众长期捐赠给MAKNA。 在销售和筹款领域工作的人士会告诉您，他们的工作是数字游戏。 成交的销售或筹集的基金等于您进行过的会面次数、打过的电话数 量等等。这也是销售人员或筹款者在工作时常被拒绝拜访、电话被 挂断、被有潜质客户/顾客或捐款者的顾虑欺骗，以及常被当作瘟 疫般躲避。这些情况也许很凄凉，但销售人员和筹款员们是您所遇 到过最乐观及最有策略观念的人了。 在困境中坚持不懈地努力，需要巨大的决心和信念。当MPAC团队作 为 MAKNA的先锋看到MAKNA所递送的服务和计划最终能够支援癌症 社群时，动力自然会回来。 有鉴于此，我们在本期要向我们的银行直接扣款捐款者和幕后大功 臣MPAC团队致敬。在接下来的页面，将深入了解他们的体验。若您 尚未成为银行直接扣款捐款者，每月定期38令吉的捐款，将对迫切 需要治疗的癌症病患带来很大的帮助。 我谨代表MAKNA恭祝大家在 接下来的半年里万事如意并感谢您们持续不断的支持。

法立

NEOPLASIA ISSUE 03/2017

03

PRESIDENT’S DESK

அன்புள்ள நண்பர்களே, புது வருடத்தை வரவேற்கும் இவ்வேளையில் MAKNA-வில் நடந்த நல்ல நிகழ்ச்சிகளை நினைத்து நன்றிப்பெருக்கோடு உணர்கிறேன். முக்கியமாக நமது நேரடி நன்கொடையாளர்கள், நிதிதிரடுபவர்கள், இவர்களின் முயற்சியால் நமது புற்றுந�ோய் ந�ோயாளிகளால் ஒவ்வொரு நாளையும் நம்பிக்கைய�ோடு கடக்க முடிகிறது என்பதை மிக்க நன்றிய�ோடு உணர்கிறேன். இந்த இதழில் MAKNA-வின் சேவை நீண்ட காலத்திற்கு நிலைத்து நிற்பதற்கு உறுதி பூண்ட உங்கள் அனைவரையும் அங்கிகரிகிற�ோம். கடந்த வருடம்நிறைய புது நன்கோடையாளர்கள் முன் வந்தார்கள். புற்றுந�ோயாளிகளுக்கு அவர்கள் குடும்பதினர்களுக்கு நல்வாழ்விற்கு உதவிபுரிய உறுதி பூண்டுள்ளனர். நீங்கள் சாதாரண மனிதர்கள், ஆனால் அசாதாரண உள்ளம் க�ொண்டவர்கள் என்பதை ந�ோயளிகளுக்கும் அவர்தம் குடும்பத்தினர்களுக்கும் எடுத்துரைப்பதற்கு வார்த்தைகளே இல்லை. அவர்களுக்கு முறையான் சிகிச்சை கிடைப்பதற்கு வழிவகை செய்திருக்கிறீர்கள். உங்களையும் நன்கொடையாளர்களையும் தேடுபவர்கள் MAKNA-வின் தன்னல மற்ற வரர்களான ீ நிதி திரட்டுபவர்கள்தான். புற்றுந�ோய் நன்கொடையாளர் நிகழ்ச்சிக் குழுவுக்கும் பணியாளர்களுக்கும் தன்னார்வளர்களுக்கும் என்னுடைய வாழ்த்துக்கள். MAKNA-வின் பல பகுதிகளின் பெரும் முயற்சியால், ஒவ்வொருவரும் ப�ொது மக்களிடம் உரையாடி, புற்றுந�ோய்க்கான அறிகுறிகளையும், அதற்குன்டான விழிப்புணர்வையும் அறிவிப்பத�ொடு த�ொடற்ச்சியான நன்கொடை MAKNA-வுக்கு வந்தடைவதையும் உறுதி செய்கிறார்கள். ப�ொதுமக்கள் நீட்டும், உதவிக்கரத்தைக் கண்டு நமது குழு பெரும் வியப்படைகிறது. இது MAKNA-வுக்கும் நன்கொடையாலர்களுக்கும் இடையே உள்ள நம்பிக்கையை காட்டுகிறது. இந்த நம்பிக்கையின் வழி MAKNA-வின் எதிர்காலமும் புற்றுந�ோய் சமூகத்துக்கான சேவைகளும் நிலைத்திருக்கும். த�ொடர்ச்சியான நன்கொடைவராவிட்டால் எங்களின் தற்போதைய சேவையை த�ொடர்ந்து செய்ய முடியாது. எங்களின் தேவைகள் வருடா வருடம் கூடிக்கொண்டேப�ோகிறது. பல சிரமங்களுக்கிடையில் நிரந்தர நன்கொடையை தக்கவைத்துத் க�ொள்வதற்கு மன உறுதியும், சேவையில் நம்பிக்கையும், விடா முயற்சியும் தேவைப்படுகிறது. நிதி திரடுபவர்களின் மன உறுதிக்கும் த�ொடர்ந்து முன்னேறிச் செல்வதற்கும் எனது நன்றியை தெரிவிதுக் க�ொள்கிறேன். நேரடி, மற்றும் எல்லா நன்கொடையாலர்களே, உங்களால்தான் MAKNA இவ்வளவு தூரம்சாதிக்கமுடிந்தது. த�ொடர்ந்து சந்திப்போம், புற்றுந�ோயாலிக்கான சேவையும், புற்றுந�ோய் ஆராச்சியும் உங்களின் பங்களிப்பால் த�ொடரும். 2018-ல் எல்லோரும் த�ொடர்ந்து பணியாரற்றுவ�ோம். ஒரு நாள் இந்த புற்றுந�ோயை இல்லாமல் செய்வோம்.

ப்ஹாரிட்

WWW.MAKNA.ORG.MY

04

DARI MATA KITA MELIHAT, DENGAN HATI KITA DEKATI, DENGAN TANGAN KITA HULURKAN

By Shahriman Haiqal, MAKNA Male Staff Nurse, MAKNA Cancer Centre-PPUKM Setiap manusia yang hidup di dunia tidak akan terlepas daripada ujian dan setiap insan memerlukan satu sama lain.

Oleh itu, kita harus banyak bersabar dengan setiap apa yang menimpa kerana ada hikmah disebaliknya. Kita sebagai manusia perlu saling membantu meraka yang memerlukan agar dapat meringan beban mereka tanpa mengira bangsa dan agama, tidak kira dari segi kewangan ataupun tenaga.

Apa yang ingin saya kongsikan di sini adalah perjalanan saya dalam urusan Nursing Home Visit Team MAKNA. Di mana saya dan seorang sahabat telah pergi ke serata negeri untuk bertemu dengan pesakit pesakit yang menerima bantuan daripada pihak kami.

Prosedur ini tidak semudah yang disangka, ia membuatkan saya hampir berputus asa kerana perjalanan yang harus saya tempuhi amat sukar bagi kami kerana kami terpaksa NEOPLASIA ISSUE 03/2017

05

menempuh jalan tanah merah seta jalan berbukit yang bahaya. Namun begitu, kami tetap meneruskan perjalanan kerana kami mahu mengenali setiap pesakit yang dibantu serta untuk merapatkan lagi hubungan.

Apa yang menyentuh hati saya untuk berkongsi cerita kali ini ialah perjalanan hidup seorang pesakit yang tinggal di Gua Musang, Kelantan. Perjalanan dari pekan ke rumah beliau

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

mengambil masa setengah jam kerana jalan yang berliku-liku dan berbukit. Sebaik tiba di kawasan perkampungan beliau, kami perlu bertanyakan kepada penduduk setempat untuk ke rumahnya.

Pada mulanya kami seakan tidak percaya melihatkan keadaan rumah beliau dalam keadaan yang tidak memuaskan. Salam kami hanya disambut dengan alunan lagu. Selepas beberapa ketika, kami disapa oleh saudara beliau dan memberitahu kami bahawa pesakit berada di dalam dan menjemput kami masuk.

Beliau amat berterima kasih kepada kami kerana sudi untuk menziarahi beliau dan mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada MAKNA kerana telah menghulurkan bantuan dan meringankan beban beliau. Beliau bersyukur kerana dengan bantuan sedia ada dapat mengurangkan beban keluarga ini dan dapat menyimpan sedikit untuk keperluan lain.

Beliau kini hanya mengharapkan sepenuhnya kepada ahli kelurga yang lain untuk membantu beliau dalam pengurusan harian beliau. Beliau tidak lagi aktif seperti yang diceritakan kepada kami dan hanya mampu duduk di rumah sahaja.

Dengan kehadiran kami sedikit sebanyak mampu untuk menghilangkan kesedihan beliau dan juga memberi harapan kepada beliau kerana masih ada yang sudi untuk menghulurkan bantuan.

Keadaan rumah beliau amat sukar untuk saya gambarkan. Kawasan ruang tamu yang luas namun keadaan barang yang tidak teratur menjadikan ruang tersebut kelihatan sempit dan kurang menyenangkan. Sempat kami bertanya khabar dengan saudara beliau dan dari apa yang diberitahu, pesakit mengalami masalah untuk berjalan. Setelah di sahkan menghidap kanser, beliau kehilangan deria penglihatan kerana tidak mampu untuk menanggung kos rawatan kanser yang terlalu tinggi dan selepas itu, beliau di serang angin ahmar yang menyerang seluruh anggota bahagian kanan. Yang lebih menyedihkan, beliau merupakan tonggak utama untuk menyara keluarga.

Perkongsian saya kali ini bukanlah sekadar ingin bercerita pengalaman sepanjang perjalanan kami menyertai Home Visit Team, namun apa yang ingin saya nyatakan, setiap insan di muka bumi ini tidak sentiasa berada di atas dan tidak akan terlepas dari ujian-ujian dariNya. Oleh itu, hulurkan bantuan tidak kira sekecil mana pun bantuan, dari segi kewangan mahupun tenaga. Kedua-duanya penting bagi setiap orang. Seperti kata pepatah, dari mata kita melihat dengan hati kita dekati dengan tangan kita hulurkan.

Kini, isteri beliau terpaksa bekerja bagi menyara keluarga. Keutamaan mereka ialah keperluan bagi suaminya kerana beliau memerlukan ubat yang agak sukar untuk dibeli. Selain itu, anak sulung mereka yang baru menamatkan sesi persekolahan tingkatan 5 terpaksa mencari rezeki bagi menampung keperluan keluarga kerana mereka mempunyai dua orang anak kecil yang masih bersekolah. Namun, kehadiran kami disambut baik oleh pesakit dan juga ahli keluarga beliau. Banyak impian yang terbuku di hati beliau, antaranya beliau ingin kembali berniaga seperti sebelum ditimpa musibah dan beliau ingin melihat anak-anaknya melanjutkan pelajaran ke menara gading.

WWW.MAKNA.ORG.MY

06

AN ADMIRABLE ACT OF KINDNESS MEPS DONATES RM250,000 TO BENEFIT NEEDY CANCER PATIENTS

On 20 June 2017, MEPS generously donated RM250,000 to MAKNA as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort. Its Group Managing Director, Mr. Michael Kumar, handed the mock cheque to MAKNA over a humble photo opportunity at MEPS’ premises.

MAKNA has propelled cancer patients towards a brighter outlook on life for the past 22 years. MAKNA has evolved into a nonprofit organization that offers not only financial assistance, but also diverse services to underprivileged cancer patients to enable their access to quality treatment and a better chance at survival.

The contribution looks at providing financial aid to 14 needy cancer patients from all walks of life nationwide, regardless of age, race, religion or background. The financial aid is provided in the form of necessities including non-formulary drugs, surgical equipment, prostheses, colostomy bags, as well as a monthly allowance.

MEPS hopes that this contribution will not be the end of the collaboration with MAKNA but instead a stepping stone to a closer collaboration to help cancer patients, monetary or not.

MEPS has always stayed true to its corporate social responsibility roots, firmly believing that a giving heart would translate into core values that would be shared by every MEPSian. The MEPS staff are actively engaged in communitybased activities as part of their work culture.

This is in tandem with the MEPS tagline “It Matters” where they believe the simplest gesture makes a difference.

Additionally, the contribution will also be used to buy a liquid nitrogen vapor storage freezer to equip their Cancer Centre. The Cancer Centre, built in collaboration with Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), aims at generating significant findings and new knowledge to contribute to the cancer fight. The storage freezer will be essential in accommodating depleting cell storage due to constant accumulation of cell stocks as the research progresses.

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NEWS & HAPPENINGS

EXPEDITION MOUNT ELBRUS PERSATUAN KEMBARA NEGARA

By Vemanna Appannah, Deputy General Manager, MAKNA Scheduled to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus on MERDEKA Day, the six-member all-women Elbrus team was forced to turn around due to stormy weather. Mount Elbrus in Russia is the highest mountain in Europe, it is an inactive volcano located in the western Caucasus mountain range, near the Georgian border in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay– Cherkessia, Russia.

5,642 meters Mount Elbrus requires basic alpine skills and it is rated tougher than Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kosciuszko in the seven summit series. The extreme weather condition can keep the most experienced climber off the mountain. On the summit day the team was challenged with heavy storm, the weather was cold and the temperature was below 15°C. As a result of the weather, 5 women were unable to continue their climb to the summit. Ummu Farah Haidar Zulkifli, 30 who goes by her pet name Myra, the programme director of Kembara Srikandi Prihatin (KSP) expedition pushed her limit and reached the summit with great difficulties on the second attempt.

The ‘Kempen Kembara Srikandi Prihatin’ organised by Persatuan Kembara Negara (PKN) aims to create positive difference in people’s life especially in women empowerment. For the reason what it is set out to do, Myra, gathered her strength and shouldered her team mates mission in completing the task against all odds.

The all-women team was led and coordinated

by Ahmad Fakhri Abu Samah @ Manai (who has achieved the rare feat of conquering the Seven Summits, the highest mountains in each of the

seven continents), the Deputy President and Programme Coordinator PKN. The other members of the KSP team are cancer survivor Renee Abdul Aziz, 56, Nurul Huda Samsuddin, 31, Nir Azmin Adnan, 34, FazilahAbdul Manan, 41, and Fairul Asmaini Mohd Pilus, 35.

The project is also in conjunction with Malaysia’s 60th Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of Merdeka De’ Everest, 2007 expedition. The Mount Elbrus climb is a charity fundraising climb. The charity beneficiaries of this project are MAKNA, Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), and Darul Wardah. The ‘Kempen Kembara Srikandi Prihatin’ brings women from different causes together in this outdoor-based activity to promote healthy lifestyle and to share good fortune with the affected lot.

The expedition was very meaningful as it was done in conjunction with the 60th National Day. Despite not being able to conquer the peak due to bad weather, the 5 women deserve to be congratulated for completing their mission. And Myra, for not letting the storm take over the women empowerment and with great pride stood on top of Mount Elbrus on September 2nd proudly waving the Jalur Gemilang. Syabas Malaysia!

The strenuous expedition is a reflection of an individual’s will to fight against despair brought by different challenges in life and to emerge triumphant. MAKNA congratulates the KSP team and PKN for the great mission.

From Left to Right, Nir Azmin Adnan, Renee Abdul Aziz, Nurul Huda Samsuddin, Ummu Farah Haidar Zulkifli, Fairul Asmaini Mohd Pilus and Fazilah Abdul Manan

Ummu Farah’s moment of victory at the summit

INTERNATIONAL

LAUGH-LAH!

SURFING TROPICAL HEATWAVE WITH LOVE, LAUGH AND LIFE-GIVING JOY IN HA NOI

By Nhan T Dinh, MAKNA International Division Executive It was not just another typical Cancer Support event in K National Hospital, Ha Noi, Vietnam, but a session filled with therapeutic belly laugh for the cancer patients.

On every third Saturday each month, three months, visitors to K Hospital would encounter a hall filled with laughter, physical activities and sharing by cancer patients – another dimension to be seen within walls of a hospital and of common perception about the disease.

The quiet taskforce behind this is the MAKNA Vietnam staff and jointly supported by volunteers – who had finished MAKNA Intorductory Programme (MIP) and Basic Nursing Care (BNC) 1 and 2 taking on every challenge to assist patients in this wayward battle with their youthful energy. MAKNA Vietnam’s sessions also welcomed tthe presence of the hospital’s Board of Directors and medical specialities to champion our survivors, including our

proud participants from Kien Cuong (Resilient) Survivor and Support Group. Those count among several of the greatest of moments we could have had with our endeavour in this country.

Our cancer patients found themselves surrounded by beautifully-crafted flowers, a token of their lasting yet resilient fighting spirit in the battle against the big C.

NHỮNG NỤ CƯỜI KHAI TÂM

Ba tháng tròn từ buổi ra mắt Câu Lạc Bộ hỗ trợ tâm lý cho bệnh nhân Ung thư tại viện K Hà Nội, những ai đến thăm viện K Tân Triều chiều thứ 7 tuần thứ ba mỗi tháng đều nghe rất nhiều tiếng cười từ phòng sinh hoạt chung.

Câu Lạc Bộ Yoga cười kết hợp Chia sẻ hỗ trợ tâm lý là hoạt động đầu tàu của MAKNA Việt Nam, nay được mở rộng với sự đôn đốc đầy nhiệt thành của tình nguyện viên MAKNA và ban giám đốc bệnh viện, các Bác sĩ và niềm vui

ngập tràn từ hơn 150 bệnh nhân nội trú và ngoại trú mỗi buổi tập!

Cùng với sự điều phối của văn phòng MAKNA tại Việt Nam là tấm lòng nhiệt thành của các bạn tình nguyện viên đến từ Đại học Y Hà Nội, Đại học Y tế Công Cộng Hà Nội, Đại Học Điện Lực, Học viện Báo chí Tuyên truyền, Đại Học Khoa học Xã hội & Nhân văn và đặc biệt là Câu lạc bộ Phụ nữ Kiên Cường chia sẻ những câu chuyện của chính bản thân

trong nỗ lực chiến thắng bệnh tật.

Những món quà thủ công chuyên chở sự khéo léo, nhưng chính tấm lòng biết đỡ nâng, vừa hướng tâm – vừa hướng thiện, mới là cơn mưa lành làm dịu mát những vết chân chim cằn khô vì bệnh tật và thử thách của cuộc sống.

Chúng tôi muốn những điều tốt đẹp ấy sẽ không chỉ dừng lại ở đây…

INTERNATIONAL

PHONG, THE LITTLE WARRIOR

By Nhan T Dinh, MAKNA International Division Executive Every little bit counts for great hope in Phong’s family. MAKNA Vietnam, the Dai Doan Ket Club and SCIENCO Construction Co., jointly organised a fundraising football match to get a wider audience to be aware of Phong’s case, as well as other destitute PAED cancer cases in rural Vietnam. The US$300 worth of funds raised delivered immediate solace to Phong’s family.

When nine-year-old Nguyen Duc Phong was diagnosed with leukemia, his family was living in a rustic, suburban coastal area in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. As a shellfish collector, Phong’s father’s daily income fluctuated in the vicinity of 5 USD, which was meagre to cover the household expenses with two growing children.

Despite being mostly covered by social security, 20% of the lifetime treatment expenses for Phong to be cancer-free depended on the question of affordability. The daily 200-kmcommute to and fro to access treatment weighed heavily on the young couple, who were Phong’s young parents.

Throughout our journey, MAKNA Vietnam has witnessed and received untiring support from volunteers in many cities in Vietnam. During this occasion, MAKNA Vietnam was supported by volunteers from the Blood Donation Club from the Vietnam Academy of Journalism & Communications and the University of Electric Power in Ha Noi - yet another testimony to the steering power of volunteer mobilisation for a cause. After all, it comes down to our collective effort. Together, “We Can. I Can” (UICC’s thematic campaign 2016-2018 on the battle against cancer).

Little Phong has been spending his days undergoing chemotherapy at the Vietnam National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion for two months, suspending all schooling and daily activities. The little warrior never ceased to be a source of joy for the whole family. Phong says coyly, “But I still miss my books and comics a lot. And some toys too.”

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COVER STORY

I BELIEVE IN ELIMINATING CANCER THIS IS MY PLEDGE AGAINST CANCER (MPAC) WHAT IS MPAC? My Pledge Against Cancer (MPAC) is a fundraising programme that provides MAKNA with a sustained flow of financial support from the public. This regular source of income allows MAKNA to plan ahead to fulfil its vision and mission.

The programme also seeks to build meaningful relationships between MAKNA and its donors through MAKNA’s front-line fundraisers also known as Fund Development Officers (FDO).

WHAT DO MAKNA FUND DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS (FDO) DO? Our FDOs carry the MAKNA brand wherever they go and introduce MAKNA to the general public while providing basic cancer awareness through the brief conversations they have with people they encounter. Many Malaysians still do not know the dangers of cancer, let alone about ways in which MAKNA can help.

It is important to us that people even in the most remote places in Malaysia know where to go if they need assistance relating to cancer. We depend on our fundraisers to play this important role of spreading the word.

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WHY DO WE NEED THE PUBLIC’S SUPPORT? Every year almost 5,000 cases are referred to us through the MAKNA Bursary Assistance Programme, which qualifies cancer patients in the lowerincome category for financial assistance, aid for purchasing non-formulary drugs, surgical equipment, colostomy bags, chemo ports and other medical necessities. MAKNA disburses almost RM 8 million every year through the Bursary Assistance Programme.

DID YOU KNOW? • The average cancer patient’s treatment costs RM 50,000.

• The average duration of cancer treatment to full recovery takes up to 5 years.

• RM 105 million is needed to sustain MAKNA’s cancer projects for a five-year period.

MAKNA introduced the Direct Debit Donor Programme to ensure the financial sustainability it needs to continue running its services without interruption.

Through MPAC, the public can make a minimum contribution of RM38 a month to support the cancer cause through MAKNA.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US? olved. d

Get involved.

Shopping malls, hospitals, exhibition spaces and schools are typically where you will find the MAKNA team running awareness campaigns to engage the community. During a MAKNA campaign, the public can view our exhibition, which even allows members of the public to touch and feel cancer tumour models!

MEET OUR FUNDRAISERS BADARIAH

M

y name is Badariah binti Idris and I’m 56 years old. I have been working with MAKNA for almost five years now.

many donors as possible to support and help poor cancer patients across Malaysia.

Even though MAKNA has been in existence for more than 20 years, many still do not know about us and our services. Hence, it is vital for us to raise public awareness.

How did you come to hear about MAKNA? It had always been my intention to be involved in a charity organization so when I retired, I set about looking for a worthwhile cause. I’d had the experience losing friends to cancer and I came to know about MAKNA through a friend. I immediately contacted MAKNA and began my journey in assisting cancer patients.

Can you share any experiences you’ve had while working with MAKNA that changed your perspective on life?

For me, it is a privilege to be part of MAKNA, and I pray to God to have good health so I may continue to give my best in my work.

What do you do as an FDO? As a fundraiser, I try my best to recruit as

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ROSINA

H

i! I’m Rosina and I’m 53 years old. I have been with MAKNA for almost seven months now.

as donating. It is always better to prevent cancer rather than cure it.

How did you come to know about MAKNA?

Can you share any experiences you’ve had while working with MAKNA that changed your perspective on life?

Actually, I had known about MAKNA before I’d joined because I was a donor for six years until I stopped work at my previous job.

What do you do as an FDO? Since I was myself a donor, the job seemed to be ideal for me, because it enabled me to share my experience as a donor with the public.

Of course, the awareness bit is as important

It is truly a life-changing experience because I’ve always worked for a corporate organization and never done any grassroots work for a charity. After joining MAKNA, I realized the number of people suffering from cancer in Malaysia is staggering and moreover, most of them are poor and unable to get any help. This is something that has truly changed my perspective.

ISABELLA

M

y name is Isabella and I’m 59 years old.

How did you come to know about MAKNA? Actually my daughter is a donor, and I’ve been here for almost six years now. I’ve also worked for other charity organizations but when I got to know that MAKNA was a local charity organization which helped the local cancer community, I decided to change my focus and join MAKNA.

Can you share any experiences you’ve had while working with MAKNA that

changed your perspective on life?

This happened when I was still new with MAKNA. I was on duty in Kuantan Hospital and I came across a patient’s brother who approached me and told me that MAKNA was a reliable organization and that his brother received monthly assistance without fail throughout his treatment. After hearing such a comment, I knew that I was in the right place.

On many occasions, people have come forward and thanked me and the team personally for our continuous efforts. I find it very encouraging and motivating.

MAKNA CANCER RESEARCH AWARD 2016

AWARD

2016

The MAKNA Cancer Research Award was initiated in 2001 to encourage and recognise research and development by local researchers, in advancing knowledge geared towards cancer prevention and discovery of potential cures for the disease. The award is presented in the form of research funding to candidates stationed at local universities.

The selection of award recipients was conducted by a distinguished panel headed by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) Fellow, Professor Datin Paduka Dr Khatijah Mohd Yusoff FASc, alongside other ASM Fellows, prominent experts and medical practitioners in the fields of Hematology and Oncology.

MAKNA continues to expand its services and fulfil its mission of reducing cancer incidence in the country and enabling patients to have a better quality of life and/or cancer-free future.

Recipients for the MAKNA Cancer Research Award 2016 are:

Associate Professor Dr Asrul Akmal Shafie Current position: Program Chairman, Discipline of Social & Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Amount of award: RM 29,800 Title of project: Prioritizing Optimal Access to Cancer Treatment in Malaysia: A Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Approach.

Project Summary: The selection of cancer drugs for dissemination to the Malaysian public is becoming increasingly challenging with the advent of innovative and effective but pricier drugs.

Current decision-making is vulnerable to narrow, subjective assessment of evidence that might overlook the overall value of new cancer drugs. The aim of this project is to develop a decisionmaking tool for the selection process using a multi-criteria decision approach. The results from this study may help our decision-makers especially in the public sector to ensure optimal access to cancer drugs of value.

Objectives of Project: 1. To identify issues relating to access and expenditure on oncology drugs by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

2. To compare Malaysian and other healthcare systems’ access and reimbursement policies for oncology drugs.

3. To develop a formulary decision support framework for oncology drugs using Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and to determine its applicability to formulary listing decisions at the Ministry of Health.

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RESEARCH

Dr Oon Chern Ein Current position: Senior Lecturer, Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Amount of award: RM 30,000 Title of project: Discovery of a novel sirtuin inhibitor: Elucidation of its anti-angiogenic potential through three-dimensional organotypic culture, towards the development of a new molecular targeted therapy for cancer.

Project Summary: The growth of new vasculatures (angiogenesis) is essential in the development of cancer wherein vessels often become irregular in structure and function. This has spurred translational research activity to uncover novel anti-angiogenic agents to be used alone or as adjuncts to conventional therapies in the treatment of cancer. Known as the “molecular fountain of youth�, Sirtuins (SIRT 1-7) are enzymes that are involved in cancer, with SIRT1 and SIRT2 being implicated in the regulation of blood vessel formation. This project aims to establish our patent pending sirtuin inhibitor as a novel molecular targeted therapy in cancer through modulation of the tumour vasculature.

Objectives of Project: 1. To investigate the role of BZD9L1 in modulating angiogenesis using ex vivo organotypic cultures.

2. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating the anti-angiogenic effect of BZD9L1.

3. To study the effect of BZD9L1 on RCC and CRC spheroid viability and invasion through negative modulation of angiogenesis in vitro.

Dr Ronald Teow Sin Yeang Current position: Research Fellow, Sunway Institute for Healthcare Development, Sunway University.

Amount of award: RM 30,000 Title of project: Defining the role of KRAS in autophagy in colorectal cancer and implications in predicting response to therapy in advanced stage colorectal cancers and overall patient survival.

Project Summary: In colorectal cancer (CRC), patients usually present with highly variable tumour response against chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Hence personalized therapy is the current trend for achieving more efficient treatment. Often, biomarkers are needed to predict patient response to treatment, and patient prognosis. The novelty of the project lies in the rapid translational utility of autophagy effectors as biomarkers of patient response to therapy and overall survival.

The relationship between KRAS and the autophagy markers is particularly pertinent in light of the current use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Cetuximab and Panitumumab in the treatment of advanced stage CRC.

Objectives of Project: 1. To assess the mechanisms of KRAS interactions with specific autophagy effectors namely LC3A, LC3B, LC3C and p62/SQSTM1 in CRC cells.

2. To evaluate KRAS status and autophagy markers in CRC cells in response to radiation and chemotherapeutic agents.

3. To conduct an association study between KRAS status with autophagy markers and clinicopathological parameters in a large cohort of CRC patients.

4. To evaluate the relationship between KRAS status, autophagy markers and survival outcomes in CRC patients.

RESEARCH

HALLMARKS OF CANCER: THE DREADFUL 10 KILLER TRAITS

By Ayappa V.Subramaniam, Tan Pei Yun and Dr. Oon Chern Ein, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Cancer has existed throughout human history. The earliest record of the disease described breast cancer in 1600BC. Extensive studies have been done over the centuries to understand the mechanism that causes cancer and ways to control the disease. Cancer is usually characterized by one or more of the traits below:

Uncontrolled cell division.

Normal cells in our body are able to control their rate of growth and division by sending signals to the cells. Cancer cells however have their own signals which control their growth and proliferation. They permanently activate the signal to continue cell proliferation or switch off the signals to prevent excessive growth of cells. This mechanism is likened to that of a malfunction in a car accelerator, where the accelerator continues increasing speed uncontrollably causing damage to the vehicle and eventually a crash.

Evading from cell death.

Normal cells have the ability to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) to maintain the balance of newly formed cells to the older cells. New cells are produced everyday and the old ones will undergo cell death. However in cancer cells, this mechanism is altered and the cells are able to evade cell death. Cell death is a mechanism that takes place in cells similar to murder, where certain ‘cell killing’ components will kill the cell but later captured and neutralized by defensive cell which acts as a police to prevent damage to healthy cells. Cancer cells are not able to send signals to cause cell death, hence causing the accumulation of cancer cells to occur.

Development of blood vessels.

Angiogenesis is a process by which new blood vessels are formed. Tumour beyond 1-2mm3 relies on blood supply for growth. Blood vessels ensure a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Normal tissues will have

blood vessels running through them which are formed during embryonic stage. Cancer cells are able to alter the mechanism of normal cells and form blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to the cancerous cells to keep them alive.

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RESEARCH

Spread and growth to other parts of the body.

Cancer cells have the ability to spread from one part of the body to other parts. They are able to move from one tissue to another and continue to grow. The cancer cells will break away from their area of formation and invade their neighboring tissues before invading tissue or cells further away. The cells will then continue to go for systemic infection and spread through the blood vessels.

Evasion of the immune system.

Cancer cells are able to evade the detection of the immune system. Cancer cells evade the immune system by altering the regulatory cells responsible for producing chemical substances which will elicit immunogenicity. Some cancer cells are not able to present themselves properly to the immune system to be detected as a threat to the body. Cancer cells are able to alter the mediators of the immune system, thus making the immune system stay dormant even when the cells continue to proliferate.

Some cancer cells are able to induce tolerance towards the immune system which causes them to evade from the immune surveillance in the body.

Genetic abnormality.

Cancer can occur through acquired mutation or germline mutation. Acquired mutation refers to genetic changes caused during the person’s lifetime due to some factors such as tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, viruses and age. Germline mutation is cancer that is passed down from the parents. For example, the mutation of tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 can increase the risk of a woman developing breast or ovarian cancer. The individual’s DNA has a severe abnormality which is caused by mutation. The abnormality causes the uncontrollable proliferation of cells which leads to tumour formation.

Tumour promoting inflammation.

Inflammation is a natural immune reaction that occurs when there is a breach on our tissue caused by an injury or infection by a pathogen.

For example, infection with Helicobacter pylori causes chronic inflammation and significantly increases the risk of developing duodenal and gastric ulcer disease and

gastric cancer. It causes the dilation of the blood vessels and causes an influx of nutrients and red blood cells to the target area. When the blood accumulates it would also carry cancer causing properties which will then cause the target area to be a site of tumour formation.

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RESEARCH

Insensitivity to anti-growth signals.

Normal cell will stop their growth and division within them by the control of expression of cell signaling molecules. They stop dividing when the space is already occupied by other healthy living cells. However, in cancer cells, they do not stop the growth and make contact with the neighboring tissue or cell which leads to continuous growth and division of the cells.

Limitless replicative potential.

Normal cell have DNA in chromosomes that can stop the activities of the cell when the space between cells are filled up, so the cell can stop dividing. Cancer cells contain an enzyme, telomerase that alters the chromosomes in the DNA which will inactivate the switch to prevent continuous growth and division of the cells.

Deregulated metabolism.

Normal cell undergo metabolic pathways to generate energy for cell survival but cancer cells have abnormal metabolic pathway which is assumed as Warburg effect. Warburg effect explains that the metabolism takes place at about 200 times higher than those of normal tissue. The Warburg effect results from the mutation of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells undergo a high rate of metabolism.

*Corresponding author: Dr. Oon Chern Ein Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine Universiti Sains Malaysia Minden 11800 Penang Email : chern.oon@usm.my Dr Oon’s research areas include investigating the use of novel therapeutic agents to target tumour angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels in cancer) and overcoming tumour resistance, with emphasis on targeting cancer pathways to modulate downstream signaling pathways in cancer cells and tumour microenvironment.

Ayappa V.Subramaniam and Tan Pei Yun are students from AIMST University, who are doing their internship placement at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, USM.

VOLUNTEER

MAKNA CLUB TAKES ROOT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES

By Priyadarshini Subramaniam, MAKNA Volunteer Coordinator We saw great movement of activities in the East Coast in March, April, and May this year, particularly in Pahang. After several attempts to activate MAKNA Club activities in various universities and colleges, we were finally able to begin our activities in three higher education institutions.

In March, our club activities started in Universiti Malaysia Pahang (Pahang). In April, it was at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (Terengganu) and then at Cosmopoint College (Pahang).

Volunteers as young as 19 were involved in our activities, consisting of the three MAKNA Volunteer Compulsory Trainings, such as MAKNA Introductory Programme, Basic Nursing Care 1, and Basic Nursing Care 2, as well as home visits, participation in cancer awareness and education booth, and fundraising.

A total of 6 days were allocated for home visits in several districts in Terengganu and Pahang where volunteers visited cancer patients who are MAKNA bursary recipients.

During the home visits, volunteers witnessed firsthand the wonders of family support can do for the patients. They saw how well husbands cared for their wives and vice versa, as well as how the family grew closer and more loving in the process of caring for the patient.

Every volunteer went home a better, more enriched person after the home visits with an increased drive to do and give back to the community.

Another lesson that the volunteers took home was to be mindful of their health and improve on their quality of life to ensure a healthy, meaningful life.

At MAKNA’s Volunteer Management Unit, we expect to organise more meaningful activities at these institutions. We hope to extend MAKNA Club activities in more educational institutions throughout Malaysia.

If you are interested in introducing MAKNA Club in your university or college, please do write to priyadarshini@makna.org.my or contact 03-2162 9178 ext 168.

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VOLUNTEER

BRINGING SMILES THROUGH A WORK OF HEART

By Christopher Ruddy Foong, Volunteer Potential Leader, Sabah Going on home visits with MAKNA has really been special and meaningful for me. Getting to know patients and their health conditions has really taught me to be more humble in life, and more appreciative of the little things around me.

A recent home visit was in the interior of Sabah, over the hills and far away, where we visited a few homes in Keningau and Nabawan.

We explained the purpose of our visit and they shared their amazing stories of coping with cancer.

I was impressed by their strong will to fight their cancer and carry on living in spite of everything.

Besides our home visits in Sabah, we also collaborated with Persatuan Wanita Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sabah (PeWanis) Nabawan and Wanita UPKO Cawangan Nabawan to hold a Cancer Awareness Day. It was held in Nabawan on 10 June 2017. Many turned up since it was a Saturday market day (tamu). The event was a success and we managed to share information about MAKNA with the local folk and explain breast cancer in detail to them.

We were fortunate because a surgeon from Keningau Hospital joined us and shared a lot of insights on breast cancer. We managed to collect some funds from the sale of lucky draw tickets to the attendees.

Bad road conditions and trouble finding patients’ homes did not deter me. We were having trouble locating some patients’ homes and had to ask for directions. The people we asked were kind enough to provide us with the information we needed and in the end, we managed to locate our patients. The journey was challenging but it was gratifying when we managed to find the patients’ houses.

It felt wonderful seeing the smiles on their faces as they welcomed us into their homes.

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VOLUNTEER

Finally, we held an outreach program at SK Saliku, Nabawan, on 12 June 2017, which successfully raised awareness about cancer among the residents of Saliku. SK Saliku is located deep in the interior jungle of Nabawan and the journey to the settlement took four hours off-road. The programme was called “Hari Kesedaran Kanser bersama MAKNA”. The purpose of the programme was mainly to introduce MAKNA and to promote cancer awareness to the pupils and rural folk who lived around the school.

Soldiers from the nearby army camp also joined us during the programme.

MAKNA managed to get in-kind donations from generous volunteers who donated stationery and used clothes to the students and nearby villagers. The gifts were useful and meant a lot to the underprivileged people of the Saliku community and they were delighted to receive the gifts.

Our home visits in Keningau and Nabawan, and the Community Outreach Programme with the folks in Saliku, Nabawan, changed my perspective. It was a truly memorable experience shared by all involved. Thank you, MAKNA, for giving me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

Special thanks to in-kind donors: Norazirah Ayob (UNIMAS), Hanita Hanim, Betty Kong, Kurniahwati Zulfatmi, Ben-Amie Lim, Juliana Hussin, Chong Mei Ling and sisters, Matahari Ismail and family, Geoffrey Emol, Lim Bee Hwa, Ng Yoke Leng, Wong Wai Loon, Ratnawati Abu Bakar, and Choo Chin Ting.

Register to be a MAKNA Volunteer on our website: www.makna.org.my or write in to priyadarshini@makna.org.my for more information about volunteering with MAKNA. WWW.MAKNA.ORG.MY

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VOLUNTEER

KUMPULAN SOKONGAN KANSER: KELUARGA KEDUA PENYAKIT KANSER

By Ratnawati Abu Bakar, MAKNA’s volunteer for Kuantan Tanggal 12 Mei 2017 bersamaan hari Jumaat merupakan hari yang bersejarah buat saya dan pesakit-pesakit kanser yang mendapat rawatan di Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang (HTAA) kerana pada hari tersebut merupakan julung kalinya di adakan Program Kumpulan Sokongan Kanser (Cancer Support Group) di HTAA dengan kerjasama Jabatan Kerja Sosial Perubatan (JKSP), HTAA dan Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA).

cara yang betul. Diantara tujuan utama program ini ialah membantu pesakit kanser mengatasi perasaan takut apabila diberitahu beliau menghidap kanser. Kumpulan ini juga memberi peluang kepada pesakit kanser serta keluarga bertemu dengan wira kanser untuk berkongsi perasaan takut dan kecewa selepas dan/atau semasa mengikuti rawatan. Ianya juga bertujuan untuk mengikis pemikiran negatif yang dialami oleh pesakit dengan melibatkan diri mereka dengan pelbagai aktiviti seperti mendengar ceramah, senaman ringan dan berkongsi pengalaman masing-masing.

Pada hari tersebut kehadiran seramai 28 orang yang terdiri daripada pegawai JKSP, pegawai MAKNA dari Kuala Lumpur, pesakit-pesakit kanser bersama keluarga yang berada di sekitar Kuantan dan juga yang berada di wad juga turut serta. Selain itu, terdapat juga pihak NGO seperti Cancerlink Kuantan dan Pertubuhan Komuniti Harap Kuantan (HARAP) yang juga menyertai program ini. Pada hari tersebut kami mengadakan taklimat ringkas dan aktiviti pengongsian dengan pesakit-pesakit kanser.

Memandangkan ini merupakan aktiviti yang pertama maka saya telah menjemput pihak JKSP dan MAKNA untuk memberi taklimat ringkas berkaitan bidang masing-masing untuk pengetahuan pesakit dan juga pihak NGO. Taklimat JKSP disampaikan oleh Encik Omran bin Mat Ali (Ketua Jabatan JKSP) dan taklimat MAKNA pula disampaikan oleh Cik Priyadarshini Subramaniam (Penyelaras Sukarelawan MAKNA) dengan ini secara tidak langsung memberi maklumat baru kepada semua hadirin bagi membantu pesakit kanser yang sedang mengikuti rawatan.

Kumpulan Sokongan Kanser MAKNA-HTAA diwujudkan untuk memberi sokongan kepada pesakit kanser serta keluarga yang terlibat secara langsung dengan kanser dan dapat membantu mereka menangani kanser dengan

NEOPLASIA ISSUE 03/2017

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VOLUNTEER

Selain daripada itu saya juga berjaya menjemput Doktor Kartina binti Abdul Karim (Ketua Unit Rawatan Paliatif) HTAA untuk memberi penerangan berkaitan kanser dan pengalaman beliau bertugas di wad paliatif (kanser). Taklimat dan pengalaman daripada doktor tersebut dapat membantu pesakit untuk lebih menjaga kesihatan diri dan berusaha untuk mendapat rawatan yang telah disarankan oleh pakar perubatan. Sesi soal jawab diantara doktor dengan para pesakit secara langsung telah memberi manfaat kepada pesakit dan keluarga yang hadir pada hari tersebut.

lebih tabah, terbuka dan ceria untuk menjalani kehidupan seterusnya. Pengalaman pertama kali berkongsi cerita dengan pesakit-pesakit kanser menyebabkan hadirin terasa sebak.

Saya selaku ketua sukarelawan berpotensi MAKNA Kuantan bersyukur kerana program ini mendapat kerjasama padu daripada pihak HTAA. Selain itu ianya juga dapat memupuk semangat yang positif bagi pesakit kanser, Saya dimaklumkan oleh pihak JKSP dengan adanya Kumpulan Sokongan Kanser di hospital ini akan memudahkan lagi pesakit-pesakit kanser apabila Wad Onkologi, HTAA diwujudkan nanti.

Manakala pihak NGO yang hadir juga bersedia memberi kerjasama untuk membantu pesakit.

Saya dan sukarelawan MAKNA yang lain akan berganding bahu untuk menjadikan aktiviti ini acara bulanan. Pihak JKSP telah memberi kebenaran untuk menggunakan bilik mesyuarat mereka untuk kami jalankan aktiviti di masa akan datang.

Cik Habiba binti Abd Rahman (Ketua Kumpulan Sokongan Kanser MAKNA) telah memulakan perkongsian dengan menceritakan pengalaman beliau bertemu dengan pesakit-pesakit kanser.

Setelah itu wira kanser seperti Puan Khamsiah, Encik Mohd Asokan dan saya sendiri berkongsi cerita pengalaman masing-masing melalui detikdetik permulaan disahkan mengidap sakit kanser dan sehinggalah selesai rawatan dan diikuti oleh pesakit-pesakit kanser yang lain. Sesungguhnya setiap pesakit mempunyai cerita yang tersendiri.

Pengalaman yang berbeza memberikan kami perasaan saling memahami dan memberi kata-kata positif kepada pesakit yang tidak mempunyai keyakinan diri dan rasa sedih.

Dengan berkongsi cerita dan saling memberi kata-kata semangat menjadikan kami semua

Penghargaan yang tidak terhingga kepada pegawai JKSP iaitu En. Omran, Pn. Sam dan Pn. Mazura yang banyak memberi kerjasama untuk menjayakan program ini. Terima kasih juga kepada pegawai MAKNA iaitu Cik Priya, Cik Habiba dan En. Ben yang sudi datang ke Kuantan bagi sokongan moral kepada kami sukarelawan MAKNA Kuantan.

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KLIMB KINABALU 2017 29 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER “FEEL THE JOY OF GIVING, THEREIN LIES HOPE”

By Vemanna Appannah, Deputy General Manager, MAKNA MAKNA’s annual Klimb Kinabalu activity has become one of the most anticipated activities annually.

This year the climb had an additional meaning, it was on Malaysia’s 60 Independence Day, 31st August – MERDEKA. KK2017 attracted climbers from local and overseas with Netherlands being the furthest and Air Asia Allstars from Thailand, China, Indonesia including Malaysia. Their coming together is mainly because of the cause the climb stands for – CANCER. Volunteers involved in this climb are either driven by their own experience or experience someone whom they know is or battling cancer or have had survived the ordeal. Whichever background they come from, they stood strong together in accomplishing their dream.

THE SURVIVORS The climb had 2 cancer survivors joining, Chan Chee Kun & Chong Kam Seng. 47 years old Chan Chee Kun was diagnosed with Lung Cancer Stage IV on 29th August 2015. Being a Marathon runner, prior to his diagnosis, he had run many fully fledged marathons which came to a temporary stop when he was told by his doctor about his cancer. He kept fighting and underwent treatment and to top it up, in July 2017 he completed 4 full marathons and ticked Mount Kinabalu off his bucket list in August victoriously. The climb did not come easy, with sheer perseverance he made it to the top.

This is what Chan Chee Kun had to say; “It has been a wonderful trip to me knowing all of you great guys and girls. I have made it to the peak with all your supports and it has been an unforgettable

memory. I could or couldn’t have made it to the peak if i came by myself, but that would be incomparable to the time i have spent with all of you for striving to the peak together with me. Thanks to all and MAKNA. And, i want to specially thank Waidah Sawatan for helping me thru at the very last stretch where I have almost given up myself”.

VOLUNTEER 51 years old Chong Kam Seng, the oldest in our group was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer stage III in September 2014. Kam Seng joined Klimb Kinabalu 2014, the year cancer survivor & amputee Nazri Hamzah conquered Mount Kinabalu. At that time Kam Seng with great difficulty manage to reach Laban Rata but did not proceed to the peak. He was unwell, little he knew cancer was growing in him. Ipoh born Kam Seng resides in Netherlands. A thorough medical check up in September that year, doctor in Netherlands confirmed his diagnosis. He made

a promise to himself that he will conquer Mount Kinabalu once his health condition improves.

His return did not fail him; he made it to the peak.

“I am very happy that I successfully climbed Mount Kinabalu. Even though the climb is beyond my capability, I still made it. I did it together with my fellow friends who supported me all the way.

They were very nice, they stood by me all the way knowing that I am surviving cancer” are the words from Chong Kam Seng.

THE CLIMB On Wednesday, 30 August the team began their climb from Timpohon Gate at 9.30 am and by 4.00pm all reached Laban Rata. Reaching Laban Rata, they were challenged by Mother Nature, some got caught in the rain from 4.5km onwards.

The last 1.5km reaching Laban Rata was wet, wet & wet. The team rested from 7.00pm after dinner to recharge for summit push at 2.30am the following day.

All geared up, on 31st August, the summit day, the team started their climb to Low’s Peak 4,095 meters. It was a dry day and majority of the climbers made it to the peak. As the climbing pace of each climber differs, 5 climbers reached the Sayat Sayat (3,668m) check point 5 minutes after the cut-off time hence their climb to the peak was dampened. The elevation climbing from Laban Rata 3,272m to 3,688m had caused some of these climbers headache, feeling lethargic, light headedness, breathlessness and nausea. The rest were greeted with a short morning sunrise and later covered by mist.

Overall, the team had an incredible experience meeting team mates from different states and countries sharing their personal experience climbing Mount Kinabalu for a cause.

We thank family members of climbers for their support, friends, staff, volunteers, supporters, donors and sponsors in making Klimb Kinabalu yet another amazing experience. Heartfelt thanks to MAKNA’s Official Partner Air Asia Berhad for flight & travel insurance sponsorship.

Congratulations and thanks KK2017 climbers Aaron Teo Eng Meng, Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup, Chan Chee Kun, Chong Siao Lee, Ellen Zhou Qianyu, Grace Ng Yuen Meng, Loo Sze Ying, Hanita Hanim Mohd Ali, Joanne Leong Chea Yin, Mardhiyah Abdul Razak, Max Chong Kam Kok, Muaz Pison, Natdanai Songsiri, Sharifah Syajaratul Nurul Aina Abdullah, Waidah Sawatan, Yovita Puspasari, Chong Kam Seng, Timothy Dharvindh Denis and Dr. Timothy Cheng Tsin Jien.

The climb raised RM69,000.

Ending with strong point to ponder shared

by Chee Kun at Mount Kinabalu; ‘Death is permanent, we don’t know how and when one will die, who leaves the world first, the one with cancer or without’.

ANNOUNCEMENT: KK2018 is open for registration!

Chong Kam Seng receiving Certificate of Accomplishment from Vemanna

From bottom left, Hanita Hanim, Vemanna, Waidah Sawatan, Max Chong and Survivor Chan Chee Kun.

Date: Friday 24 – Monday 27, August 2018 (4D3N).

Kindly e-mail to Ms Nurtasya at nurtasya@makna.org.my to book your spot. Only 20 spots available – first come first serve basis.

MAKNA (Majlis Kanser Nasional / National Cancer Council) BG 03A & 05, Ground Floor, Megan Ambassy, 225 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +603-2162 9178 Fax: +603-2162 9203 Email: makna@makna.org.my www.makna.org.my

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Your contribution can change lives.

Support our cause, together we can move mountains.

There is so much we can do to fight cancer.

Every step you take brings us all closer to a cancer-free future.

Every ringgit raised from this section will literally transform lives. This is where donations “will never go out of fashion.�