ISSUE 01/2015
2015
Donate YouR , Clothing, Shoes s, Handbags, Belt Toys Linen and Soft
‘Engineers for makna’ PG 02 run 2015
PG 13 PG 03
Childhood Cancer Awareness – 15 February PG 27
It’s ONLY cancer!
Content Issue 01/2015 page
02
page
page
11
25
page
18 page
03 page
19
page
07
New
“LIQUID BIOPSY ”
Option for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
by Camilo Cupitre
19 New “LIQUID BIOPSY” Option for Colorectal
01 From the President’s Desk
Cancer Treatment
News Happenings
02 Engineers for MAKNA Run 2015 03 Donate Your Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Belts,
Linen, Soft Toys
Cover Story 07 World Cancer Day 2015 Volunteers 11 Young MAKNA Volunteers from Sayfol International School
Feature Story
13 Childhood Cancer Awareness – 15 February International 17 Shoulder to Shoulder, Laugh after Laugh 18 MAKNA International Vietnam Harmonises with World Cancer Day 2015
Research 21 MAKNA Cancer Research Award 2014 Health Focus 23 How to Fight the Cold and Flu With Yogurt Life Goes On 25 Pengorbanan Ibu-Bapa Buat Permata Hati 27 It’s ONLY Cancer! 28 Darvin Raaj Barath - Walking Through Cancer Feedback/Comments 32 Letter from Donor 33 Testimonial from the Community after Mammogram Screening
Interesting Stuff 35 Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Human Body
page
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EDITORIAL Penyelaras / Coordinator Najmi Kamal Amir Ravivarman Prema Ramasamy Penasihat / Advisors Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin Farahida Mohd Farid Penyumbang / Contributors Camilo Cupitre Faizatul Azwan Jacob Mathews Nhan TB Dinh Nur Hazirah Binti Muhammad Mohd Tarmizi Abdul Rahman Monica Dius Prema Ramasamy Suhaila Binti Nik Vemanna Appannah Diterbitkan oleh / Published by National Cancer Council (MAKNA) 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 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. Tel: +603-8925 6688 Fax: +603-8925 1688
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: In no way this newsletter be considered as offering medical advice. The content in here is general in nature, and is provided for information purpose only. Never disregard medical advise or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Rekacipta / Design SG Global Support Services Sdn Bhd Level 18, Axiata Tower, No. 9 Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, KL Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +603-2260 1717 Fax: +603 2260 2211 www.sgglobalsupport.com
PRESIDENT’S DESK
On February 4, 2015 the world acknowledged
World Cancer Day
with the rallying cry of hope – ‘Not Beyond Us’
Dear Friends, On February 4, 2015 the world acknowledged World Cancer Day with the rallying cry of hope – ‘Not Beyond Us’. To me, it means we can overcome, we can hope and we can win. It is not a solitary fight, it is a global battle fought on many fronts. It is a clear message of partnerships breaking through stereotypes and misconceptions. A major stumbling block in the fight against cancer is ignorance. I echo what was written in a local publication recently in saying that negative public perceptions and stigma associated with cancer stifle public discussion and perpetuate misconceptions about this disease. Awareness is important in cancer prevention. It is a disease that kills, hiding and ignoring it, will not save anyone. Let me say this overused but a very true phrase: prevention is better than cure. Through many years of study and research we now know that at least a third of the most common cancers can be prevented through the reduction of alcohol consumption, healthier diets and improved physical activity levels. Imagine that by merely changing your lifestyle and dropping bad habits can actually save your life. Early detection is also crucial. Awareness is also recognised as the first step to early detection and improving cancer outcomes, because with few exceptions, early stage cancers are less lethal and more treatable than late stage cancers. As President of MAKNA I am especially aware that enormous progress has been made in cancer control over the past few years and there is also a greater connectedness of the global cancer community. On World Cancer Day, this global community reinforces the ties and the opportunities to collectively examine cancer control strategies to identify winning formulas that would accelerate progress. The goal is clear. We want to ensure fewer people develop cancer, more people are successfully treated and that there is a better quality of life for people during treatment and beyond. Cancer is not only a health issue but has wide-reaching social, economic and development implications as well. It is not only life threatening but a life changing experience. It affects not only the patients but those around them. It is a disease that demands multilevel approach as what we at MAKNA have been doing. In addition to working with cancer sufferers, survivors, we pursue ties with various government and corporate entities, leaders, communities, key stakeholders, partners and individuals around the world to bring about positive changes and breakthroughs in the whole range of cancer care. To me, every single action taken counts. Let us show the world that this battle is Not Beyond Us.
Farid 01
NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 01/2015 }
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
‘Engineers MAKNA’ Run for
By Prema Ramasamy & Faizatul Azwan
2015
Program director of MAKNA Run, Mr Vijay (Fourth from right) presenting the mock cheque to MAKNA representative, Ms Isabella
On 11 January 2015, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) held their annual ‘Engineers for MAKNA’ Run for the year. The run was organised for the third time by The Institution of Engineers Malaysia-Society of Ingenieurs (IEM-SIR) Student Chapter of UNITEN as part of their community service efforts. The run was held at The Loop, UNITEN early in the morning at 6.30 am, with food and charity sales set up by various clubs and societies of UNITEN. The run also received support from Yayasan Canselor UNITEN, Milo and Unicom Events. The slogan for the run, Unite In Colours To Fight Cancer, was chosen to signify the unity among participants of the run and of all people regardless of their race or religion, in fighting cancer and helping poor cancer patients have a better life through treatment and support. On the event day, more than 900 runners were flagged off by IEM president, Mr Vijay Nagandran, and the President of the Young Engineers Section of Malaysia (YES), Mr. Vivekasugha Alif Gunalan. The race course was 12km long and covered areas within UNITEN and the adjacent Jalan Ayer Hitam. The event raised a total of RM 3,500, which was handed over to MAKNA’s representative during the prize-giving session. The funds raised through this event, along with those generated via various other projects will enable MAKNA to continue to serve underprivileged cancer patients through financial assistance or other forms of support. To-date, MAKNA has helped about 450,000 cancer patients and currently, the non-profit organization receives referrals from 92 government hospitals under its bursary assistance program. www.makna.org.my
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NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Donate Your Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Belts, Linen and Soft Toys By Prema Ramasamy & Mohd Tarmizi Abd Rahman
them into something of commercial value. For example, CEO Dale Warren has purchased some 20 tonnes of old hospital blankets which he will eventually recycle into cleaning cloths. As part of the recycling effort, Life Line has put up 200 textile waste collection bins all over the Klang Valley, as well as in Bentong (Pahang) and Teluk Intan (Perak). Life Line Clothing shares a portion of its sale with 3 charities - the Malaysian Association for the Blind, Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory, and the National Cancer Council (MAKNA).
Tattered and Torn, not Shaven and Shorn Did you know that you can help MAKNA by recycling your used textile items? Put your tatters to good use for the cancer community, but do it with a twist. Most charities collect used clothing and household textiles for re-selling, so they keep only the textile donations that are in good condition. The old, torn and tattered donations often end up in landfills, which is sad news for the environment. These unwanted textiles can in fact be recycled into cleaning rags which are in demand by industries. Textile recycling company, Life Line Clothing Malaysia, is doing just that. Life Line Clothing collects donations of clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, linen and soft toys and sells them off for recycling in designated parts of the world. It also goes a step further in taking unsold items that are not valuable or which get discarded into landfills or burned, and converts 03
NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 01/2015 }
Not one but two good reasons to declutter your home! Don’t put off the spring cleaning any further, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. You’ll be helping the cancer community and Mother Earth by dropping your used textiles clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, linen and soft toys – at Life Line Clothing’s donation boxes at these locations. Thank you for recycling for MAKNA! Note: Tattered and torn, shaven and shorn are phrases from the popular poem The House That Jack Built This is the farmer sowing his corn, That kept the cock that crowed in the morn, That woke the priest all shaven and shorn, That married the man all tattered and torn, That kissed the maiden all forlorn, That milked the cow with the crumpled horn, That tossed the dog, That worried the cat, That killed the rat, That ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built.
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Location of the recycling boxes
PERAK Location
Address
Park Taman Desa Bakti Lorong Caely 4, 36000, Teluk Intan Junction Tmn Bersatu Lorong 2, 36000, Teluk Intan Junction Taman Jelawat Shop Taman Sri Setia Park Taman Ros Junction Taman Sri Emas Park, Pekan Baru TNB, Taman Perkasa Park Taman Indah Jaya 2
Jalan Intan Mas, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Pulau, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Kempas, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Tembaga, 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong Emas 22/17, 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong 6, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Teratai J4/1, 36000, Teluk Intan Taman Indah Jaya, Jalan Teratai J4/2, Park 36000, Teluk Intan SMK Raja Muda Musa Lorong 3, 36000, Teluk Intan Park, Pekan Baru Lorong Berlian 5, 36000, Teluk Intan House, Taman Melati Lorong Intan 13, 36000, Teluk Intan SK Sultan Idris Jalan Syed Abu Bakar, 36000, Teluk Intan SJK Š Pooi Yong Jalan Pasir Bedamai, 36000, Teluk Intan Kampung Terengganu, Jalan Ah Cheong, Pam Air 36000, Teluk Intan Car Park
Padang Speedy, 36000, Teluk Intan
Junction Eastern Garden Lorong Ria E2/4, 36000, Teluk Intan
Location
Address
SK Convert Klinik Pangsapuri
Jalan Syed Abu Bakar, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Teluk Intan, 36000, Teluk Intan Jalan Pasar, 36000, Teluk Intan Taman Desa Wangsa, Jalan Woo, Saik Junction Hong, 36000, Teluk Intan Taman Maju, Lorong Maju 2, 36000, Shop (Taman Maju) Teluk Intan Taman Zahari, Lorong Pala 9, 36000, Field Teluk Intan SMK San Min Lorong Impiana 1, 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong Bendahara F1/1, 36000, Teluk, Junction Laksamana Intan Taman Antek Avenue, Lorong Cengkeh, Park H2/2, 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong Bentara, Taman Sri Manggis, Shop (Lorong Bentara) 36000, Teluk Intan Junction Lorong Perwira, M1/37, 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong Bentara 1a, Taman Sentosa, 36000, Junction Taman Sentosa Teluk Intan Lorong Perwira M1/2, Taman cicely, SMK Seri Perak 36000, Teluk Intan Lorong Perwira M1/18, Taman cicely, Junction (M1/18) 36000, Teluk Intan Junction Taman Panglima Jalan Panglima, 36000, Teluk Intan www.makna.org.my
04
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
PERAK Location
KUALA LUMPUR Address
Pusat Perniagaan Felda Pusat Perniagaan Felda Sg.Klah, 35600 Sg. Klah Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Sg. Klah, 35600 Sungkai, Masjid Felda Sg. Klah Perak Depan Felda Residence Felda Residence Sg. Klah, 35600 Sungkai, Sg. Klah Perak Depan Pejabat Felda Pejabat Felda Wilayah Produk, 35600 Wilayah Produk Sungkai, Perak Kelej Yayasan Felda Kelej Yayasan Felda Produk, 35600 Produk Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Produk Masjid Felda Produk, 35600 Sungkai, Utara Perak Sebelah Kuarters Sebelah Kuarters Institusi Pendidikan Institusi Pendidikan Felda Felda Produk Utara, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Produk Utara Dewan Semai Felda Dewan Semai Felda Produk Utara, Felda Produk Utara Produk Utara, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Tepi Bulatan Felda Tepi Bulatan Felda Produk Timur, Felda Produk Timur Produk Timur, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Produk Masjid Felda Produk Timur, 35600 Timur Sungkai, Perak Sekolah menengah SMK Felda Produk Selatan, Felda Produk Kebangsaan (SMK) Felda Selatan, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Produk Selatan Sebelah Pusat Pemulihan Pusat Pemulihan Komunity Felda Produk Komunity Felda Produk Selatan, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Selatan Dewan Semai Felda Dewan Semai Felda Produk Selatan, Produk Seletan 35600 Sungkai, Perak Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) SK Felda Sg. Behrang, Felda Sg. Behrang, Felda Sg.Behrang 35020 Shm River, Perak Tepi Jalan Pejabat, Felda Jalan Pejabat, Felda Sg. Behrang, 35820 Sungai Behrang Slim River, Perak Masjid Felda Sg. Behrang, Felda Sg. Masjid Felda Sg. Behrang Behrang, 35820 Slim River, Perak Sekolah Kebangsaan Sekolah Kebangsaan Besont, 35600 Felda Besont Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Besont 1, 35600 Sungkai, Masjrd Di Felda Besont 1 Perak Taman Rekreasi Felda Taman Rekreasi Felda Besont 1, 35600 Besont 1 Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Felda Besont 2, 35600 Masjrd Di Felda Besout 2 Sungkai, Perak Masjid Felda Felda Besont 3, 35600 Masjrd Di Felda Besout 3 Sungkai, Perak Dewan Orang Ramai Dewan Orang Ramai Felda Besont 3, Felda Besout 3 35600 Sungkai, Perak Felda Besout 4 (Tepi Felda Besont 4, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Jalon) Felda Besout 5 (Tepi Felda Besont 5, 35600 Sungkai, Perak Jalon)
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Location
Address
Paragon Heights Taman Impian Indah, Bukit Jalil, KL PPR Laksamana (Block C) Jalan Peel, 55100 KL PPR Tmn Beringin, block F, J/n Miri, PPR Beringin (Block F) Jinjang Utara, 52000 KL PPR Tmn Beringin, block E, J/n Miri, Block E, PPR Beringin Jinjang Utara, 52000 KL PPR Tmn Beringin, block D, J/n Miri, Block D, PPR Beringin Jinjang Utara, 52000 KL Jalan Wangsa Murni 10, Taman Wangsa Junction Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Murni 2, Taman Wangsa Junction (Murni 2) Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Setia 3, Taman Wangsa Park Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa ceria 2, Taman Wangsa Junction (ceria 2) Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Budi 6, Taman Wangsa Park (budi 6) Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Budi 11, Taman Wangsa Junction (budi 11) Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Melawati 4, Taman Park (melawati 4) Wangsa Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1, Taman Bus stop (site 1) Wangsa Melawati 53300, KL Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1, Taman Bus stop (site 2) Wangsa Melawati 53300, KL Jalan AU 5D/1, Taman Lembah, Keramal Bus stop (Au 5d/1) 54200, KL Taman Tasik Indah Jalan Tasik Indah 7, Taman Tasik Indah, (site 1) 51200 Kuala Lumpur Taman Tasik Indah Jalan Tasik Indah 4, Taman Tasik Indah, (Site 2) 51200 Kuala Lumpur Taman Tasik Indah Jalan Tasik Indah 1, Taman Tasik Indah, (Site 3) 51200 Kuala Lumpur Jalan Wangsa Melawati 6, Perkasa Junction Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
SELANGOR Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor Location
Address
MDHS
Pafuda Rai Syst Hashoe
MDHS
Taman Aupang Pocc KKB
MDHS
Jalan Senoa Batangkahi
Majlis Daerah Sabak Bernam Address No LA, Jalan Merpati Taman Berjaya 45200, Sabak Bernam 307 D, Jalan Menteri, 45200 Sabak Bernam Lorong B, Jalan Serindit, Taman Sentosa, 45200 Sabak Bernam Jalan Mutiara 2, Taman Mutiara, 45200 Sabak, Bernam Jalan aman 1, Taman aman 45200, Sabak Bernam Jalan 10, Taman Muhikhah, 45200 Sabak Bernam Jalan 12, Taman Muhikhah, 45200 Sabak Bernam Jalan Menbok, Taman Benjaya 45200, Sabak Bernam Jalan Ferri 5, Taman Ferri, 45200 Sabak Bernam Jalan Wawasan 1/1, Taman Wawasan, 45200 Sabak Bernam Depan Sek. Men. Keb. Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra 45200, Sabak, Bernam Jalan Kenangan Utan, Taman Kenangan, 45200 Sabak Bernam Lorong Aman 6, Taman Intan Iaya, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Majlis Perbandaran Kajang Address
Lorong Aman 2, Taman Intan Iaya, 45200 Sabak Bernam Jalan Torkington, Taman Berlian, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Persimpangan Jalan 4/5D, Kajang, Selangor
Jalan Berlian 2, Taman Berlian, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Berhadapan Pangsapuri Anggun, Sekysen 3
Jalan Teratai, Taman Serendah, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Jalan Bandar Baru Bangi, Seksyen 3, Kajang, Selangor
Jalan Serendah 6, Taman Serendah, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Jalan Sri Reko Jaya (Bersebelahan Rumah)
Jalan 1, Taman Pertama, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Jalan Sri Reko (Berhampiran Tanah Kosong) Kajang
Jalan 2, Taman Serendah, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Persimpangan Jalan 4/7 K, Kajang, Selangor
Taman Sabak, 45200 Sabak Bernam
Jalan Mahkota 3, Kajang, Selangor
Jalan Pertama 3, Taman Pertama, 45200 Sabak Bernam www.makna.org.my
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COVER STORY
World Cancer Day 2015
By Prema Ramasamy
On 4 February 2015, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) celebrated World Cancer Day (WCD) hand-in-hand with its members, partners and supporters around the world. This year, UICC witnessed the global level of engagement grow exponentially between 2012 and 2014, breaking previous records cumulating 10.7 billion opportunities to see, hear or read about World Cancer Day in 2015. World Cancer Day has been promoted by the UICC, a leading international non-governmental organisation that unites the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden; promote greater equity; and to integrate cancer control into the world health agenda. The occasion is a reveille to corporates and individuals across the globe to take action that could avert millions of preventable deaths each year, by raising awareness and stepping up education efforts for cancer. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is ‘Cancer - Not Beyond Us’, to underline the fact that solutions exist across the continuum of cancer care which are within reach. This is particularly true of a proactive approach towards the fight against cancer. 07
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There were four key focus areas this year. • Choosing healthy lifestyles Empowering people to make healthy choices and reduce the social and environmental risk factors for cancer is the key to achieving the global goal of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. • Delivering early detection Ensuring the availability of, and access to, early detection programs for cancer can significantly reduce the cancer burden in all countries. • Achieving treatment for all All people have the right to access quality, effective cancer treatment and services on equal terms, regardless of geography and without suffering economic hardship as a consequence. • Maximising quality of life Understanding and responding to the full impact of cancer on emotional, mental and physical wellbeing will maximise the quality of life for patients, their families and carers. In its World Cancer Day 2015 (WCD) message, the National Cancer Council of Malaysia (MAKNA) has
COVER STORY
highlighted the vital role that early detection plays in ensuring more effective treatment and improved survival rates among cancer patients. For cancer NGOs including MAKNA, World Cancer Day constantly affirms our daily reach in spreading awareness about early detection and preventative measures to the public through various campaigns and activities. For the rest of us, it is a day to dedicate time and mind to accessing lifesaving knowledge towards preventing and surviving cancer. For World Cancer Day 2015, in line with this year’s theme and its focus areas, MAKNA’s mobile mammogram team headed to rural areas to provide mammogram screenings for members of the public who cannot afford, or have no access to such facilities. At the locations, our team managed to conduct mammogram screenings for more than 200 women and over 100 CBEs (Clinical Breast-Examinations) for those who did not receive mammogram screenings.
The initiative was an early detection measure against breast cancer, which remains the leading cancer among women. MAKNA’s team also gave talks, shared tips on healthy lifestyles and held an exhibition to raise public information on cancer. MAKNA’s mobile mammogram trailer was launched in 2011 to reach out to low-income women over the age of 40 that have limited access to mammography screenings.
www.makna.org.my
08
COVER STORY
WORLD CANCER DAY
By Camilo Cupitre
AROUND THE WORLD World Cancer Day 2015 took place on February 4 with the theme “Not Beyond Us”. Coordinated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), cancer-related associations all around the world organized a variety of events to promote cancer awareness in conjunction with World Cancer Day. Here are some highlights:
NORTH AMERICA
USA Each year, wine enthusiasts and the T.J. Martell Foundation supporters come to raise glasses and funds for exceptional cancer research. This year, the event took place on February 4 in conjunction with World Cancer Day at The Oviatt Building in Los Angeles, where guests and celebrities enjoyed rare tastings from exclusive cellars across the US, while toasting the Foundation’s achievements in research.
SOUTH AMERICA Brazil The National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA) and the Social Service of Commerce (SESC) launched an exhibition entitled “Tobacco Control in Brazil: a Path” in Rio de Janeiro on February 4. The exhibition illustrated a sequence of clashes relating to public health between Brazilian organizations and the tobacco industry during the twentieth century. 09
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EUROPE Malta The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) collaborated with its member organisation, the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation in Malta, to organize the conference “Action on Environmental Pollutants to Close the Gap in Cancer Prevention” during World Cancer Day on February 4. The conference attracted over 250 participants and gained wide TV and print media coverage. It was opened by the country’s President, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who commented that environmental policies could play an effective role in preventing cancer.
COVER STORY
AFRICA
ASIA
Nigeria
India
The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) organized a campaign of public lectures during the first week of February with the theme “We Mark World Cancer Day”. The campaign ran in schools all around the country to promote cancer awareness among Nigerian youth.
On World Cancer Day, a unique ramp show by HCG Hospital was organized at The Grand Bhagwati Hotel in Ahmedabad. An eclectic group of women who have put up a brave fight against breast cancer walked the ramp with great elan. They came from different backgrounds and age groups, yet on the ramp, they sizzled like seasoned models. It was an occasion to celebrate the will to fight against the odds and emerge as winners in the end.
THE MIDDLE EAST United Arab Emirates Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine, organized community lectures and ran an education campaign for patients and their families, as well as a blood drive on February 5 at different hospital premises and polyclinics across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
OCEANIA Australia: Three special events were organized by Cancer Support WA in Perth to commemorate World Cancer Day. Emptiness and Stillness - Ajahn Brahm: An opportunity to hear Ajahn Brahm, a Buddhist monk, share his thoughts on meditation and stilling the mind. Sunflowers at Sunset: Sunflowers represent life and hope, reflecting this year’s message that the fight against cancer is not beyond us. Sunflower seeds in balloons were released at sunset. Outdoor Movie: About Time: About Time, a movie about love, life and time travel, was shown on the lawns of Cancer Support WA. www.makna.org.my
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VOLUNTEERS
Young
MAKNA
Volunteers from
Sayfol
International School By Prema Ramasamy & Monica Dius In early February, MAKNA had a group of 27 fourteen-to sixteen-year-old students from Sayfol International School over to reflect on community work as a volunteer, in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2015. The visit was part of their school program where they received academic credit in their studies while gaining a better understanding of NGOs and the work involved in fulfilling their missions and visions. Sayfol International School’s students spent five days with MAKNA. During their time at MAKNA, the young volunteers were briefed about MAKNA’s identity, mission and vision for the cancer community. They were exposed to volunteering work such as administrative i.e filing, cash counting, pink ribbon making, making phone calls and the feel of it. All the students were inspired day by day as they got to know more about the people MAKNA helps, our work, and how MAKNA changes the lives of cancer patients. Some of the volunteers has many questions on volunteerism, our objectives and our attitude towards work. It was uplifting to see our work inspire school children and motivate them to start volunteering. MAKNA’s doors are always open to the public and anyone who wishes to know more about what we do and how we help poor cancer patients is welcome. The program with Sayfol International School was a great way to seed good habits among young adults so that they may learn at a young age to appreciate the things around 11
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VOLUNTEERS
them and to nurture the habit of giving back to those in need. All of us at MAKNA were very pleased to have these wonderful students who helped us in our daily work and built good connections with us. Our heartfelt thanks to Sayfol International School for choosing MAKNA to be part of their community outreach program. Here’s a couple of comments from Sayfol’s students about their volunteer experience at MAKNA.
I found out about MAKNA when my school gave us some options for the Sayfol International School Community Outreach Program. Among many options, I chose MAKNA because I wanted to help cancer patients and stand by them. I want to make cancer patients happy and give them hope.
I am 14, now a MAKNA volunteer. Although I am at MAKNA to accomplish my school’s community outreach program, I have some words for kids facing cancer. I may not have experienced it, but I see what you are going through. So don’t give up and give your all to fight the tough battle. I will give you my hand as support. - Natasha Effendy
- Eva Ibrahim
www.makna.org.my
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FEATURE STORY
15 February
Childhood Cancer AwarENess International Childhood Cancer Day is a global treatment most childhood cancers are curable. collaborative campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to express support for children and adults Most adult cancers are typically linked to lifestyle- and battling the disease, survivors thereof and their families. environment–related factors, which include unhealthy eating Childhood Cancer Day is observed on 15 February by many habits, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption. cancer and paediatric organisations. The Day promotes While knowledge is generous on the subject of cancer increased appreciation and a deeper understanding of issues and challenges impacting childhood cancer causes among adults, actual causes of childhood cancers patients and survivors. It also spotlights the need for more remain largely unknown. Survival rates for most childhood equitable and better access to treatment and care for all cancers vary widely across cancer types. children with cancer, everywhere. This annual event was Childhood cancer is the leading cause There are many types of childhood created by Childhood Cancer cancers but the most common in International (CCI), formerly of disease-related death among Malaysia are leukaemia, brain the International Confederation children and adolescents between 0 of Childhood Cancer Parent cancer, lymphoma, bone cancer, Organisations (ICCCPO). to 19 years, although cancer incidence Wilms’ tumour and germ cell
among children is rare.
Childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children and adolescents between 0 to 19 years, although cancer incidence among children is rare. The number of children with cancer is unreported as most cases are undiagnosed. According to the Union for Cancer Control (UICC), it is estimated that approximately 250,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and 100,000 of these will die from the disease. With early detection and effective 13
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tumours. Children’s cancers are rare and quite different from cancers affecting adults, both in the ways that they emerge and respond to treatment.
It is important to keep our eyes open for any signs or symptoms that a child may exhibit in order to detect cancer as early as possible. This will ensure that your child is treated sooner and have higher chances of survival.
FEATURE STORY
Most Common
Childhood Cancers Early Symptoms of Childhood Cancer Every Parent/Guardian Should Be Aware Of Children’s cancers are rare and quite different from cancers affecting adults
Most common types of childhood cancers in Malaysia are leukaemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, bone cancer, Wilms’ tumour and germ cell tumours
1 2
250,000
children are diagnosed with cancer each year and 100,000 of these will die from the disease - Union for Cancer Control (UICC)
Brain Cancer
Most brain cancer for children start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem.
Lymphoma
This cancer affects lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues, like the tonsils or thymus.
Germ Cell Tumour
3
Germ cell tumours that originate outside the gonads may be birth defects resulting from flaws during the development of the embryo.
Leukaemia
4 5
Leukaemia, known as cancer of the bone marrow and blood. The number of new cases of child leukaemia in Malaysia is approximately 3,567 cases per year.
Wilms’ Tumour
Wilms’ tumour starts in the kidneys and is the most common type of paediatric kidney cancer. It accounts for about 5 percent of all paediatric cancers.
Bone Cancer
6
The cancer accounts for about 3% of childhood cancers. It is different from metastatic bone cancer, which is cancer that starts elsewhere in the body and later spreads to the bones.
Source: Cancer.org, ‘What are the Most Common Types of Childhood Cancers?’ American Cancer Society’. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar 2015 Curesearch.org, ‘Types of Children’s Cancer’. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar 2015. Maspho.org, ‘Malaysian Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology - MASPHO’. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.Roswell Park Cancer Institute,’Top 5 Paediatric Cancers: The Warning Signs’. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015. 2015. Roswell Park Cancer Institute,. ‘Top 5 Pediatric Cancers: The Warning Signs’. N.p., 2015. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
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FEATURE STORY
Brain Cancer There are many types of brain cancer and the treatment and outcome differs for each. Most brain cancer for children start in the lower parts of the brain, such as the cerebellum or brain stem. Although brain cancer is typically different in children as opposed to adults, many of the symptoms are the same.
Lymphoma Lymphoma starts in certain cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. This cancer affects lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues, like the tonsils or thymus. They can also affect the bone marrow and other organs, and present different symptoms depending on where the cancer is growing. There are two main types of lymphoma:
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Sometimes called Hodgkin disease, this cancer is rare among children under five years of age. Symptoms of this cancer are very similar in children and adults as are the types of treatment that work best.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common among younger children than Hodgkin lymphoma, but is still rare among children under three. The most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting children are different from those affecting adults. These cancers often grow quickly and require intensive treatment, but child patients also tend to respond better to treatment than most adults with the disease.
Germ Cell Tumour Most germ cell tumours in children are benign and often occur between 15 to 19 years of age. Germ cell tumours that originate outside the gonads may be birth defects resulting from flaws during the development of the embryo.
The number of new cases of child leukaemia in Malaysia is approximately 3,567 cases per year. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in the treatment of leukaemia. As a result, a considerable number of children are now effectively cured. However, some forms of leukaemia can be treated more successfully than others.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
Also known as acute lymphocytic leukaemia, ALL is cancer of the white blood cells, characterised by the overproduction and continuous multiplication of malignant and immature white blood cells in the bone marrow. It is a hematological malignancy and is fatal if left untreated, due to easy spreading of cancer cells via the bloodstream to other vital organs. Currently, 60 to 70% of children who develop ALL survive the disease. Approximately three-quarters of those who survived four to five years following the completion of their treatment showed no symptoms of relapse.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
Also known as acute myelogenous leukaemia, AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells, characterized by the rapid proliferation of abnormal cells, which accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukaemia affecting adults, and its incidence increases with age.
Wilms’ Tumour Wilms’ tumour starts in the kidneys and is the most common type of paediatric kidney cancer. These tumours usually form in one kidney but sometimes in both, in a small number of cases. It accounts for about 5 percent of all paediatric cancers. This disease is typically found in very young children - 3 to 4 years old - and is not common in children over 6.
Bone Cancer Leukaemia Leukaemia, known as cancer of the bone marrow and blood, is the most common childhood cancer. Leukaemia cells are ill blood cells of the immune system. Unable to function properly, they crowd out healthy blood cells. Types of leukaemia include acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 15
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Bone cancer occurs most often in older children and teenagers, but can develop at any age. The cancer accounts for about 3% of childhood cancers. It is different from metastatic bone cancer, which is cancer that starts elsewhere in the body and later spreads to the bones. Metastatic bone cancer is more common than primary bone cancer as many types of cancer (also in adults) can spread to the bones.
FEATURE STORY
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INTERNATIONAL
Shoulder to shoulder, laugh after laugh
By Nhan TB Dinh
Publicly available and free of charge, the weekly yoga and laughter therapy at Hung Viet Oncology Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam has become a reliable and fruitful platform from which cancer patients can draw health benefits. To multiply its positive impacts, on 11 January, MAKNA Vietnam organised the first volunteer training session for 35 new warm-hearted youngsters. They were introduced to MAKNA’s philosophy of volunteerism and given an idea of what to expect from their volunteer experience with MAKNA Vietnam.
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The volunteer training program aims to prepare volunteers to support cancer patients with an integrated approach, from soft skills to professional and efficient service delivery. At the end of the session, all the volunteers joined in the yoga and laughter therapy session together. Basic nursing care and a thorough cancer awareness training on breast, cervical and lung cancer will be conveyed in the upcoming training session.
INTERNATIONAL
International Vietnam harmonises By Nhan TB Dinh
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on promoting “Communication Cooperation for Raising Awareness on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection in the Community and among Vietnamese Youngsters” marked a promising, beneficial collaboration.
Marking the first correspondence in Vietnam on World Cancer Day, 4 February, MAKNA International Vietnam organised a media meeting with a wide participation of patients, patients’ families, doctors, artists and MAKNA volunteers. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on promoting “Communication Cooperation for Raising Awareness on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection in the Community and among Vietnamese Youngsters” marked a promising, beneficial collaboration. Like the World Cancer Day theme stated, cancer is ‘Not Beyond Us’ with quality training sessions by MAKNA Vietnam and better community awareness thanks to media cooperation by Dan Tri Newspaper and the Vietnam Student Magazine. Their media support will enable a much wider audience to be reached. www.makna.org.my
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INTERNATIONAL
New
BIOPSY ” “ LIQUID Option for
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
By Camilo Cupitre
Cancer research and treatment around the world are gradually moving their focus into design specific treatments for each patient with the objective of increase efficiency and have better response to specific mutation cases.This is called precision medicine and now is taking its first steps to find medical treatment tailored to each patient’s needs through blood samples that are going to become even more relevant in the fight against cancer. “Blood is like the human body’s waste dump,” explains Josep Tabernero, director of the Catalan cancer research centre Vall d’Hebron Instituto de Oncología (VHIO). Following this logic, investigators (who rummage through the trash in search of clues to solve a crime) doctors have been analysing human blood for decades in search of signs of cancer. Now in Spain there is an option to have a non-invasive biopsy based on a blood sample analysis. 19
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In February 2015, a group of health professionals presented a technology, based on liquid biopsies in Barcelona that will search a patient’s blood for signs on the type of tumour affecting them. The technology then requires developing this kind of test that was developed by Sysmex Inostics (and will be implemented by the pharmaceutical firm Merck). The VHIO is the first centre in the world to offer liquid biopsy RAS biomarker tests, a service where, a blood sample can tell sufferers of colorectal cancer whether they have a mutation of the RAS gene. This information is useful for predicting how a treatment will work in a specific case.
“Blood is like the human body’s waste dump,” explains Josep Tabernero Between 55 to 65 percent of patients with this type of cancer have this mutation, and do not respond to therapy with cetuximab and panitumumab, which is effective with other genetic mutations.
INTERNATIONAL Another advantage to liquid biopsies is it will not replace traditional ones but seek to complement them and the shorter waiting times for results – it only takes two or three days.
The information collected from the blood “is more representative of what is happening in the organism than a biopsy of a specific tissue,” noted Tabernero.
Up until now, in order to obtain that kind of information, doctors had to perform a biopsy on solid tissue or a surgical procedure to obtain a tiny piece of the tumour and analyse it. These are invasive procedures that cannot be frequently repeated. In a disease like cancer, this has a great ability to adapt to varying circumstances and treatments, having access to a new innovation can be critical in selecting the right battle tools. An RAS mutation could force medics to change a treatment that was successful until then.
Besides VHIO, the world pioneer, 19 other health centres in Spain are working with both companies to adopt the technique. Belén Garijo, a member of Merck’s executive committee, said they expect the technology to be available at 50 European centres within the next three years (Because the sophisticated technology requires personnel trained in cell biology, it will not be available at all hospitals). Fernando Andreu, president of Sysmex Inostics, said his company is already working on developing similar analyses for patients with lung and breast cancer. Based in “Spanish medical team presents “liquid biopsy” for cancer patients” published at elpais.com on 02/03/2015 http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/02/27/ inenglish/1425059008_692581.html
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RESEARCH
MAKNA
Cancer Research Award 2014
The MAKNA Cancer Research Award (CRA) by the National Cancer Council of Malaysia (MAKNA) continued into its fourteenth year with three grant recipients for 2014. The tradition of funding young cancer researchers was initiated at the dawn of the millennium, recognizing the importance of research and development by local scientists, in contributing knowledge towards discovering potential cures for cancer. The MAKNA Cancer Research Award Ceremony is an annual event by MAKNA to support young scientists of Malaysia and offer them encouragement in their efforts to combat cancer through local research. The year 2014 marks the 14th anniversary of the Award since its inception and MAKNA is deeply grateful to the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia for its support and cooperation in coordinating and implementing the program.
The three grant recipients were selected from a pool of 27 applications submitted to the Academy of Science, Malaysia. 21
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Besides the Cancer Research Awards, MAKNA’s research-related endeavours include collaboration with local universities and research institutes in Malaysia to advance knowledge in the field. Research is one area of MAKNA’s numerous and diversified projects geared towards helping cancer patients across the country. MAKNA Founder and President Dato’ Farid Ariffin said that researchers usually cannot produce results overnight and that MAKNA is patient and willing to keep encouraging local researchers who demonstrate potential to make great strides in their chosen fields. Most of today’s medical discoveries and products were originally lab tests which later bore positive results. Between 2001 and 2014, MAKNA has funded 42 researchers with RM 1,237,000 in research funding through the MAKNA Cancer Research Award. MAKNA heartily congratulates the 2014 award recipients!
RESEARCH
Recipients for
MCRA 2014 Dr Lim Yat Yuen
Universiti Malaya (UM) Title of Research Proposal : MicroRNA profiling at the invasive fronts of triple-negative Breast cancer subtype.
Norlaily Mohd Ali
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Title of Research Proposal : Analysis of exosomal miRNAs expression of BM-MSCs and their influence on osteosarcoma-derived CSC-like population (CD133+).
Kalaivani Muniandy
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Title of Research Proposal : Investigating the growth and invasion phenotypes of the three dimensional (3D) spheroids generated from cervical cancer cell lines with different Human Papillomavirus (HPV) strain infection.
Dr Kong Sin Guan
Univesiti Tuanku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Title of Research Proposal : Systematic seeking minimal side-effect of repurposed drug compound for breast cancer. www.makna.org.my
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HEALTH FOCUS
You probably already expect garlic, chicken soup, or vitamin C-rich orange juice to help with cold and flu prevention and treatment. But now there’s a new food on the block that is kicking the butt of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections - yogurt. Exciting research shows that yogurt isn’t just for digestive health anymore. 23
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HEALTH FOCUS Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that yogurt containing the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 had a significant effect on respiratory infections in three ways: 1. Decreasing the likelihood of contracting a respiratory infection; 2. Reducing the duration of respiratory infections; and 3. Reducing nasal congestion linked to respiratory infections. The participants ate approximately three-quarters of a cup of the yogurt containing the L. casei strain on a daily basis for three months. The study explored the effects on the elderly with an average age of 76 but the results should apply to younger adults as well. Adapted from my new book, The Probiotic Promise: Simple Steps to Heal Your Body from the Inside Out, here’s what you need to know to put yogurt to work for you against colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
How to Choose Yogurt that will Help Prevent and Fight Colds, Flu, and Respiratory Infections: • While it may help reduce nasal congestion and the duration of a cold or flu if started during the infection it is better to enjoy the yogurt on a daily basis to reduce the likelihood of getting a respiratory infection. • Choose a yogurt that contains the effective strain. Most commercially-available yogurt does NOT contain the effective strain of probiotic. Dannon’s DanActive contains Lactobacillus casei DN-114001 but there may be others as well. • Avoid yogurt with a high amount of sugar. A serving shouldn’t contain more than 10 to 12 grams of sugar yet most yogurt on the market contains substantially more sugar than that.
Choose a product that contains “live cultures” since the live probiotic cultures are the therapeutic part of the yogurt. Avoid yogurt that contains fruit since it is usually fruit jam loaded with sugar. Add your own fruit to the yogurt. • Keep in mind that some yogurt companies indicate that they are the exclusive company with a specific strain of probiotic, suggesting that it has been trademarked. Living creatures, including bacterial strains like probiotics, cannot be patented. The trademark is on a made-up name only and is seriously misleading. Read more: www.care2.com/greenliving/how-to-fight-the-cold-and-flu-with-yogurt.html
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LIFE GOES ON
Pengorbanan Ibu-Bapa Buat Permata Hati Nur Hana Najwa Binti Abdul Razak, 3 Tahun, Leukaemia oleh Suhaila
Nur Hana Najwa merupakan seorang kanakkanak yang begitu aktif dan mudah mesra. Walaupun disahkan menghidap kanser beliau sentiasa riang bermain bersama dengan adik-beradiknya yang lain.
Pertemuan pada 16 Jan 2015 bersama dengan pasangan kepada Abdul Razak dan Nur Zaitul Faridah telah membuatkan pihak kami begitu terharu dengan pengorbanan yang ditunjukkan mereka terhadap anak-anaknya. Pasangan ini telah dikurniakan tiga orang cahaya mata yang berusia 10 tahun, 9 tahun dan juga 4 tahun. Setiap ibu bapa pastinya mengimpikan agar kesemua anak-anaknya untuk membesar dengan sihat dan sempurna. Namun begitu anak bongsu kepada pasangan ini, iaitu Nur Hana Najwa yang berusia 4 tahun telah disahkan menghidap B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Menurut bapanya, pada Jan 2014 beliau telah dimaklumkan oleh pegawai perubatan yang merawat tentang penyakit yang dihidapi oleh puteri kesayangan mereka. Sewaktu mula menerima perkhabaran tersebut dunia mereka seolah-olah menjadi gelap seketika. Namun baginya, mereka perlu kuat dan bersemangat bagi memastikan anaknya terus membesar dengan sihat. 25
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LIFE GOES ON Nur Hana Najwa merupakan seorang kanak-kanak yang begitu aktif dan mudah mesra. Beliau begitu disenangi oleh abang serta kakaknya dan sering kali menjadi penghibur kepada ibu bapa. Walaupun disahkan menghidap kanser beliau sentiasa riang bermain bersama dengan adikberadiknya yang lain. Sungguhpun begitu, hati ibu bapa mana yang tidak tersentuh apabila memikirkan tentang keadaan kesihatan yang menimpa anak kecil ini yang terpaksa melalui pelbagai rawatan untuk melawan sel kanser. Keadaan pesakit yang sentiasa demam berpanjangan telah memaksa ibu bapanya untuk mendapatkan rawatan lanjut di hospital. Hasil pemeriksaan mendapati bahawa tahap darah pesakit adalah kurang memuaskan dan keadaan tersebut membuatkan puterinya ditahan di Hospital Selayang. Semenjak daripada itu pelbagai rawatan dijalankan bagi mengetahui punca sebenar yang melanda anaknya sehingga beliau disahkan mengalami kanser. Anak kecil ini telah ditahan di wad PICU selama 5 hari dan sepanjang tempoh tersebut, ibu bapanya tidak jemu-jemu berulang-alik ke hospital. Menurut bapanya, sepanjang anaknya berada di wad tersebut hatinya menjadi sebak terutamanya pada waktu malam kerana mereka terpaksa berpisah buat sementara kerana di wad tersebut ibu bapa tidak dibenarkan menunggu. Walaupun begitu beliau terpaksa akur dengan peraturan yang ditetapkan dan setia menunggu diluar daripada wad.
NUR HANA NAJWA & AHLI KELUARGA Pesakit telah selamat menjalani sesi kimoterapi sebanyak 6 kali dan kini masih menjalani rawatan susulan di Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia pada setiap bulan. Setelah menjalani kimoterapi keadaan pesakit semakin lemah yang mana beliau tidak mampu untuk berjalan. Bagi memastikan keadaan anaknya kembali normal, bapanya telah mengubahsuai Baby Walker dan melatih sendiri puterinya agar terus kuat dan dapat berjalan seperti sedia kala sehingga pesakit berjaya bangkit semula. Namun begitu, beliau sekali lagi diuji apabila pegawai perubatan memaklumkan bahawa pesakit perlu menjalani pembedahan bagi memasukkan kimoport untuk rawatan selanjutnya. Disebabkan tidak sanggup melihat tubuh puterinya disakiti lagi beliau mengajar anaknya terapi mengenggam bola untuk memastikan tubuhnya mudah untuk pegawai perubatan
membuat rawatan yang diperlukan. Ketabahan serta keprihatinan bapa ini amat menyentuh hati kecil si ibu demi memastikan anaknya sihat seperti sedia kala. Ibunya begitu memahami akan perasaan bapa yang sememangnya akrab dengan pesakit semenjak beliau dilahirkan lagi. Sebelum ini bapanya bekerja sebagai pengawal keselamatan dan terpaksa berhenti kerja memandangkan beliau kerap bercuti untuk membawa pesakit ke hospital. Bagi menampung perbelanjaan keluarga, bapanya kini bekerja dengan bapa saudaranya sebagai valet parking dan mujurlah majikannya memahami akan situasi yang perlu dilaluinya dan memberi sedikit kelonggaran. Selain itu keluarga ini juga turut menerima bantuan daripada pihak Zakat untuk menampung kos rawatan pesakit. Keadaan tersebut sedikit sebanyak telah meringankan bebanan yang perlu ditanggungnya. Bagi ibunya pula, beliau telah melalui banyak pengalaman perit dalam kehidupan yang mana pada awal tahun 2014, bapa saudara pesakit telah meninggal dunia secara tiba-tiba. Sewaktu kejadian ibu saudaranya seperti biasa mengejutkan bapa saudara untuk keluar bekerja namun beliau telah meninggal sewaktu tidur. Menurut ibu, bapa saudaranya mempunyai masalah jantung dan pernah menjalani pembedahan. Selang 12 hari selapas itu pula, datuk pesakit yang menghidap diabetic pula telah menghembuskan nafas terakhir. Perkhabaran sedih tidak hanya berakhir di situ sahaja, apabila pada Ramadhan yang lalu, ibu saudaranya juga telah meninggal. Sewaktu kejadian beliau sedang menunggu bapa saudaranya untuk menjemput daripada kerja namun secara tiba-tiba beliau jatuh dan telah menghembuskan nafas terakhirnya di situ. Tragedi 2014 telah memberikan tamparan yang hebat buat ibunya namun beliau makin kuat dalam mengharungi dugaan yang menimpanya. Stigma masyarakat sentiasa memandang negatif akan nasib yang melanda keluarga ini. Namun begitu bagi mereka yang tidak memahami dan merasai sendiri kesusahan ini hanya pandai mengkritik sahaja. Keadaan ini tidak pernah mematahkan semangat pasangan suami isteri ini dalam membesarkan kesemua anak-anaknya. Impian mereka juga adalah untuk melihat kejayaan anak-anak suata hari nanti akan tercapai seperti mana kanak-kanak yang lain. Bagai abang serta kakak pesakit, mereka seolah-olah telah memahami rutin ibu bapanya yang perlu berulang-alik ke hospital. Sepanjang ketiadaan mereka si abang bertindak sebagai penjaga yang terbaik dan boleh diharapkan untuk menjaga adik perempuannya. Semoga didikan ini akan terus menjadikan anak-anak kecil ini membesar menjadi teladan kepada kanak-kanak lain. www.makna.org.my
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LIFE GOES ON
It’s ONLY cancer! Chai Kit Len, 58 Thymic Carcinoma
By Nhan TB Dinh
Do you believe in the power of words? Just one word is capable of a 180-degree change in our perceived existence. In Chai Kit Len’s case, such power does exist. Mr Chai used to be a taxi driver. Having arranged to meet with him at a local bus stop, we had not been mentally prepared to encounter such spirit that would challenge our conventional expectations of how cancer patients carry on despite their cancer. Mr Chai’s journey with thymic carcinoma began in July 2013 at Serdang Hospital. Thymic carcinoma develops when cancer cells grow on the outside surface of the thymus - part of the lymphatic system where white blood cells are formed. It had just been a year after his wife had passed away from lung cancer in July 2012, leaving him with 4 children. Now awaiting his re-assessment test results after another round of radiotherapy at IKM Putrajaya, he refrains from unnecessary exposure to infection. His daily routine includes a grocery run to the local market and back during which he enjoys a good walk. Mr Chai prefers an organic diet. He eagerly shared with us how he would shop for daily meals. “I consume fresh fruits throughout the day. We should eat more fruits, don’t just refrigerate them,” he says with a smile. Despite the clogged nerve cells which prevent him from exercising, he very much enjoys his daily walks to the market. “Just don’t think about it. Follow the doctor’s instructions and leave the rest; don’t think!” he says through a big, bright grin. 27
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Mr. Chai Kit Len He used to be a blood donor and loved his job as a taxi driver as he could talk to many different people in a day. He carries on with a positive, proactive approach after his wife’s passing and even the cancer diagnosis cannot strike him down. “Uncle [referring to himself] is very healthy, I really have no diseases. I only have cancer. It’s only cancer!” It’s only cancer. Unsung wira kanser (cancer hero) Mr Chai needs no further introduction. Spontaneous, charismatic and very positive, heroes like him are not even aware that they are heroes in their own right - perhaps because they are a class of their own. And because life goes on. Thymic Carcinoma a rare type of tumor that is the most common tumor type located in the area in the center of the chest between the lungs.
LIFE GOES ON
DARVIN RAAJ Barath
Walking Through Cancer What Seem to Be a Bitter Trials Are Often Blessings in Disguise – Oscar Wilde By Jacob Mathews, Volunteer Leader
Some of you may recall this young boy, he never stop acing A’s after A’s. We have kept track of his scores since 2009 (Neoplasia 3/2009, 1/2010 & 02/2013) and kept you updated with his growth and achievements. Yet again, in 2014 he has aced SPM examination. Mr. Jacob Mathews, MAKNA Excellence Volunteer, godfather figure and the guiding light in Darvin’s life has penned Darvin’s journey to share with you. Darvin was diagnosed for leukaemia when he was six. He started schooling in Standard One and stopped after 2 months. He then went through all his treatment and had stem transplant with his sister being the donor. He had a huge bill for his hospital admission and treatment which amounted to the region of RM 162,000.00. I came to know of him while he still had a remainder of around RM 38,000. Being a MAKNA volunteer I got the help of the Subang Medial Director then, and asked for a reduction of his bill. He then looked into Mr.Muniandy‘s plight of having to look after a child with cancer and a wife with kidney failure. He got the bill reduced by about RM15,000. This helped to reduce Mr.Muniandy’s agony. Having a child and wife who were sick made it difficult for him to seek employment as most of his time was spend on looking after them and taking them for treatment. I suggested to him to sell Indian ‘vadai’ to get extra income for the medical expenses and I helped him out through the Local Town Council.
With the assistance of local MAKNA volunteers he started doing this to upkeep his minimal income. His wife who was ill wanted to get her son into school. She then asked me to help Darvin get into a school. The father together with me then decided to send Darvin to start schooling at the age of 11. He was then admitted to a Tamil primary school in Standard 5 after a lapse of 4 years. This too was in the third term.The teachers were doubtful about him being able to keep up but at the end of the day he was one of the brightest in the whole standard even without going to school. The following year i.e 2009 during his school sports in June I was called upon to give away some prizes and to my surprise Darvin came forward to receive a prize from me. It was at this point that i hugged him and this caught the attention of a philanthropist who was the main VIP of the day. He was non other than Mr.Ohms Thiagarajan who has been a source of great inspiration. He immediately spoke to the father Mr.Muniandy and decided to bear the cost of Darvin’s and his mother’s monthly bills from that month onwards in the region of RM 450.00.
MAKNA Volunteers Mr Jacob Mathews (second from left) with Mr. Ohms Thiagarajan with hands on Darvin’s shoulder.
In August 2009 Darvin’s mother passed away after suffering from kidney failure for a long while. This was a great loss to Darvin and the entire family. Mr. Muniandy, then had to take the role of his wife and be a mother too, to Darvin and to his siblings. He has to send Darvin
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LIFE GOES ON
to school daily and look after his entire needs. Darvin has his sister and a brother who gives him all the love too. His only elder brother completed SPM and had an ambition to fulfil his mother’s wish of becoming a teacher. Then with the help of my friends he succeeded in getting an interview and eventually he got into the Teacher Training programme at the Seremban Raja Melewar Teacher Training College. Today after his graduation he is posted to Carey Island as a qualified teacher at SJK(T) Pulau Carey Selatan.
UPSR 2009 : 7 A’s Darvin flanked by his father (far right), Puan Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager MAKNA and Mr Jacob Matthews (far left)
Darvin placing his 7 A’s UPSR result slip on his beloved late mother’s photograph, crying and telling her that he had fulfilled her wish (2009) and will continue to do his best.
Darvin getting all the happiness and love from MAKNA volunteers in 2009
Darvin showing all his three (UPSR,PMR and SPM) results 2015.
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Darvin after having lost his mother in August 2009 continued with his studies and sat for his UPSR examination in September 2009 . He was one of the 16 boys identified by his school to score 7 A’s in the 2009 UPSR Examination. When the official results of the UPSR Examination was announced in November 2009, the school managed to get 8 students with 7 A’s and Darvin was one among them. Great achievement indeed, without any early education and only joining school in Standard 5 and all the handicaps he went through. His father, family members, teachers as well as we the MAKNA Volunteers from Banting were overjoyed with his achievement. We wished him well and prayed that God will see him through his entire education and will succeed in his chosen career of wanting to serve the people in the medical field.
Words of praise and congratulatory messages from various sources reached him. He was interviewed by all the language media’s. Besides he also appeared in ASTRO talk show under the Tamil Programme called “VANNAVIL”. MAKNA too kept up with him in all his success as well his hardship. On one occasion MAKNA highlighted his plight in the media and a well wisher came forward and presented him Cash and a Lap Top Computer which later became his closest companion and a great help for him as he continued his studies in the Secondary School. In 2010 Darvin was then posted to SMK Telok Datok where he continued his secondary education. He stayed home most of the time as he was unable to go out to play or mix with friends and his friends were limited. His father had to take care of his entire needs and therefore he started to drive a hired taxi. Using it most of the time to send Darvin to school as well as sending him home cooked food while he is at
LIFE GOES ON
school. Having gone through chemotherapy a number of cycles Darvin suffered from mouth ulcers until today and therefore he is unable to eat as he likes. While in the secondary school Darvin in spite of his condition he joined the English and Tamil Society and at the same time being a member of some sports clubs. He attended sports club meetings in the school and got knowledge on rules of games even though he was unable to play any games.
PMR Examination in 2012: 8 A’s In academics at the secondary school he was among the top of class. When he started his Form 3 class he began to get tuition in science subject. Later in 2012 he was among the top in the school for his final PMR Examination scoring 8 A’s. Another great achievement! As his ambition is to be a Medical Doctor he joined the School Red Crescent Society and did quite well in it too. As time went on Darvin slowly began to feel strain on his eyes and found out that he was having Cataract due to heavy treatment using steroids. He then began to get treatment. Further to this he began to have Asthma. This affected his activities further. His father continued with his love for his youngest son and spends almost all his time in taking care of him. Mr. Muniandy, is a shining example of a man who has sacrificed his time and love for his loving family while going through all the hardships and by being a source of inspiration for care givers. He continued his daily school work with his elder sister (bone marrow donor) as his closest and loving companion as his elder brother was undergoing Teachers Training at the Raja Melawar College in Seremban.
Having gone through chemotherapy a number of cycles Darvin suffered from mouth ulcers until today and therefore he is unable to eat as he likes.
Darvin with the pillars of his life, His father and his elder sister (Bone Marrow Donor) 2015.
SPM Examination: 7A’s, 3B’s and 1C+ Finally he completed His SPM Examination in 2014 having gone through many obstacles and living a life totally different from other growing up children. The greatest joy came when the SPM results were announced and Darvin once again did exceptionally well with an excellent result and again being one of the top student of his school. He achieved 7A’s, 3B’s, and a C+. Having completed his SPM Examination with excellence he is hoping to get a place to study Matriculation and then to further his education by getting into a medical degree course. On behalf of MAKNA i have requested the Education Deputy Minister’s office for assistance. We wish him all the best in his plight to fulfil his ambition and to fulfil his father’s and late mother’s wish. May God continue to lead him. MAKNA would like to thank Mr Jacobs for being the ‘Godfather’ figure to Darvin and his family and always guiding them in their life path.
Darvin after UPSR with his result in hand and a copy on his mother’s photo standing with his father Mr.Muniandy on his left and his sister on the right, the bone marrow donor .(2009) www.makna.org.my
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CALLING FOR
INTERESTED ADVERTISERS!! Dear SIR/MADAM Re: CALLING FOR INTERESTED ADVERTISERS!!
Over the years, various companies and organisations have requested to advertise in Neoplasia to promote their products and services, whether related to cancer or otherwise. Neoplasia started in 1995 and today is one of the main media of communication and dissemination of news and information to our corporate and individual donors as well as other stakeholders. In 2010, the electronic copy of the newsletter was made available through our website. Recently, the invitation to advertise in Neoplasia has been extended to companies and businesses. The invitation will remain for the present and future issues. By advertising in the newsletter, you will be communicating to your targeted audience through this platform that is held in respect for championing the cancer cause. You will also contribute to a laudable act of assisting underprivileged cancer patients. The number of the newsletter’s pages range from 40-60 per edition, and its content is focused on stories of cancer patients’ struggles, MAKNA’s various fundraising activities to assist underprivileged patients all over the country, cancer information and research, and much more. The average numbers of copies printed per issue are 60,000 to 70,000. The composition of its readers cuts across all ages, ethnic backgrounds, station and industries.
FULL Page
Size: 14.8 (w) x 21 (h) cm
A) Available Advertisement Pages & Rates Back Cover RM3,000 Inside Front Cover RM2,500 Inside Back Cover RM2,500 Run On Pages Full Page RM2,000 Half Page RM1,300 B) Please take note: 1. Number of Pages of Neoplasia – 40 to 60+ (average). 2. Actual size: A5 (21 x 14.8 cm / 8.3 x 5.8 in). 3. All pages are in full colour. 4. Ad submissions are to be in ai or pdf format (others, please advise). 5. Illustrator (ai) text must be outlined and save with embedded high-res pictures. 6. Films are not recommended. 31
NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 01/2015 }
1/2 Page Horizontal Size: 14.8 (w) x 10.5 (h) cm
Please find details advertisements below and if you have any enquiries, kindly contact Ms Prema at 03-21629178, ext 136.
HRU 20 BA
n L e t t er from Do or
I
A
PAR AVION
R
15
BY AIR MAIL
JJO OHO
Feedback / CommentS
M A L AY S
To: National Cancer Council (MAKNA) BG 03A & 05, Ground Floor, Megan Ambassy, 225 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Dear MAKNA I just want to say THANK YOU for doing a very good job for the cancer patients. Also, THANK YOU for sending your magazine to me, I enjoy reading them. I am also a cancer survivor, I was diagnosed with breast cancer (right) 2nd stage in December 2009. The lymph nodes were also affected. I underwent treatment for the whole of 2010 and was under medication for 5 years, up until last December 2014. I am thankful for God’s blessings on my treatment. I also never forget all the good work that is done by MAKNA. May God continue to guide and Bless your work for many many years to come. Yours sincerely,
Looi Kit Yue (71 years old) Johor Bahru
www.makna.org.my
32
Feedback / CommentS
Testimonials after from the Mammogram community
screening By Nur Hazirah Binti Muhammad
“
Sebelum menjalani mammogram memang takut tapi kerana setelah melihat kawan yang sakit cancer saya memberanikan diri. Selepas menjalani mammogram saya sangat gembira kerana ia langsung tidak menyakitkan dan ia amat menggembirakan saya. Terima Kasih.
”
- Maisarah Ishak
“
at Saya sang na ra ke ra bi gem anya dengan ad ya sa MAKNA jalani dapat men an sa ik er pem m mammogra cuma. er p dengan
”
sih Makna. Terima ka hmad a Haji A Norhaliz n a u P -
33
NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 01/2015 }
“
Tidak sesakit seperti yang diperkatakan oleh rakan-
rakan.
”
Taha ny Mohamed - Masthurai
“
Sebelum menjalani mammogram rasa merasa takut tapi setelah melaluinya tiada apa yang perlu ditakuti.
”
- Nor masitah
Feedback / CommentS
“
“
Mula – mula daftar rasa berdebar-debar sebab tak tau pemeriksaan macam mana. Tapi bila dah selesai buat mammogram
Mammogram ini tidak menyakitkan sepertimana orang cakap-sekejap je. Jangan malu – untuk kesihatan kita juga. Terima kasih kepada MAKNA kerana sudi datang berhampiran kediaman kami. Thank you.
”
- Rusita bt Che Mat
“
rasa lega.
”
h - Rosmi bt Abdulla
Sebelum saya
merasa takut (sakit). Selepas periksa saya merasa lega dan berpuas hati dan saya terus memberitahu kawan-kawan bahawa mammogram ini baik untuk wanita khas pada
” “
kamu ibu. Terima Kasih.
- Yang chick said.
“
Sebelum: rasa teragak – agak.
Selepas: lega dan berpuas hati.
”
- Hasmazihan bt Abdullah
Saya berharap MAKNA akan meneruskan usaha yang murni ini untuk memberi kesedaran kepada para wanita yang kurang mendapat pendedahan mengenai kanser. Teruskan usaha kamu! Terima Kasih
- Laila Sheikh Mohd
”
www.makna.org.my
34
INTERESTING STUFF
Did You Fun Facts About Amazing Anatomy
The heart
Your heart is just a bit bigger
is the strongest muscle in the body.
There are 22 bones in
the human skull
than your fist. The heart pumps 36,000 gallons of blood a day.
The smallest bone in the body is in your ear
The human skull is 80% water
The human neck has the same number of vertebrae
The femur (thigh bone) is the biggest
The average human head weighs about 8 pounds.
The largest muscle in your body is located in your rear end.
bone in the body.
as a giraffe’s neck.
35 55
NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 01/2015 01/2014 }
INTERESTING STUFF
utheKnow? Human Body Fascinating Facts The air released from a sneeze can exceed 100 mph.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
At rest a normal person breathes 10-15 times a minute. A baby takes about 40-50 breaths a minute.
It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Your nose and ears never stop growing.
Like a fingerprint, every person has a unique tongue print. From the age of thirty, humans gradually begin to shrink in size.
The surface area of a
human lung is equal to one side of a tennis court.
Every time you step forward, you use fifty-four muscles.
Source: http://www.healthnews.com/en/news/Did-You-Know-Fun-Facts-About-the-Human-Body/0TeXR7Nj53gQP6aFaH61IL/
Food stays in your stomach for 2 to 4 hours.
Your funny bone isn’t bone at all. It’s a nerve that runs just under your skin in each elbow. www.makna.org.my
36
National Cancer Council (MAKNA) 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 www.facebook.com/maknacancer www.twitter.com/makna_malaysia
Bring a new meaning to life www.makna.org.my/donate
Join us and make a difference www.makna.org.my/get-involved
Shop for a good cause www.makna.org.my/shop
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.�