Issuu

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY MAKNA!

MAKNA FOUNDER’S PG 17 NIGHT RUN

PG 21 PG 14

CANCER “HEROES” FETED, WISHES FULFILLED PG 25

JOM BOTAK 2.0

Content Issue 02/2014 page

page

49 page

MAKNA Serving Cancer Patients and the Malaysian Public Through the Years

01 From the President’s Desk News Happenings 02 Movember at Kingsley International School 03 Embrace The Power Of The Pink With Pink October 04 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign JTM 2014 05 Relay For Life 2014 06 Dato’ Mohd Farid Dianugerah Tokoh Kanser Negara 2014

07 The Cancer Truth Seminar 08 MAKNA Nominated For The Prime Minister’s Innovation Award 2014

Fundraising

09 Fundraising Dinner For Cancer 11 Small Gestures Make A Difference For Cancer

Feature Story 29 Klimb For Kancer 2014 International 33 Fighting Cancer Across South East Asia 34 Laughter Therapy, Qigong And Yoga Research 36 An Intelligent Screening System For Cervical Cancer Health Focus 39 17 Essential Reasons To Eat Organic Food 42 Many Health Experts Don’t Like E-Cigarettes, & Here’s Why

45 The Shocking Ingredients In Cigarettes 47 Why Quitting Smoking Could Improve Your Mental Health

Survivors 12 Softlan Tie-up Spreads Awareness Of Breast Cancer 13 Save & Donate

Life Goes On 49 ...Ada Orang Yang Lebih Menderita Kesakitan... 51 MAKNA Cancer Support Groups (MCSG)

Cover Story 14 MAKNA - Serving Cancer Patients And The

Feedback/Comments 53 A Special Note To MAKNA

Malaysian Public Through The Years

Volunteers

26 The Colours Of Life 28 Laporan Kayuhan Muafakat Amal Merdeka 2014

Interesting Stuff 58 Top 10 Health Benefits Garlic 59 10 Health Benefits of Broccoli 60 6 Super Spices

page

EDITORIAL EDITOR Lionel Lim PENYELARAS / COORDINATOR Najmi Kamal Amir Ravivarman Prema Ramasamy PENASIHAT / ADVISORS Datoâ€™ Mohd Farid Ariffin Farahida Mohd Farid PENYUMBANG / CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Breyer Michelle Schoffro Cook Monica Dius Ng Yoke Leng Nisha Sanita Nurha Prof Dr.Nor Ashidi bin Mat Isa Prema Ramasamy Steve Williams Tom Maccabee 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

PRESIDENTâ€™S DESK

MAKNA was created from sheer will and the will continues

UNWAVERING, STRONGER AND MORE DETERMINED.

Dear Friends, Two decades ago I had a dream that turned into a vision, morphed into a mission and finally emerged as a result of coming together of my hopes, my prayers and unrelenting hard work. MAKNA was created from sheer will and the will continues unwavering, stronger and more determined. I am older now, hopefully wiser and as I look back through the years since MAKNAâ€™s inception, my heart swells with pride. Since 1994, MAKNA has helped thousands of cancer patients and their families. In all honesty we could not have done it alone. You are here with us through ups and downs, through tears of pain and joy. With you, MAKNA continues to maintain a steady and incremental involvement in serving cancer communities and the general public. Beginning of 2014, MAKNA crossed the mark of having assisted over 450,000 cancer cases since its establishment in 1994. To us, every day is a celebration of the human spirit but hitting the 20 years mark is especially remarkable. To celebrate this milestone MAKNA had organised several programmes to herald a new era in our commitment to the cancer fraternity and beyond. Every event, every step we take is a celebration of victory in the fight against cancer. We are privileged that with a strong show of support and endorsement from you and the general public, we have been able to provide services that are essential and important to those afflicted with cancer. To those who have been with us all these years, you know well enough our determination to help the underserved and to those who have only recently joined this fight, strap on your seatbelts, it is going to be an eventful albeit rewarding journey.

Farid 01

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

#movember

MOvember

at Kingsley International School Teacher, Mr. Nicolaas Strating, Head of Key Stage 4 of Kingsley International School certainly gained attention and brought cheers to many faces in his School with MOvember. MOvember is an event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities.

Mr. Nicolaas Strating

“It all started with a friend that started growing his Beard for Ape-Ril in 2013. Saving precious eco systems and endangered animals is something I really care about, so I decided to join and get my colleagues to join.” said Strating. Movember 2014 is a continuation from last year. This year Mr. Strating starting something new that involved the participation of the whole school; the students and teachers. A RM5 raffles tickets were made available as the fundraising drive. “It was fun to see how the Primary students got inquisitive and excited, some spend up to RM100 on raffles tickets. Parents of students became supportive in this drive that aimed to raise awareness on male related cancer. We sold 600 tickets. It was really fun to watch children actually having fun pasting fake moustache on them. It certainly tickled their curiosity. The teachers joined in the fun too”, added Strating. 10% of the sales of raffles ticket were made as the winning prize. And what do you know? The cash prize winner donated his RM300 winning prize back to MAKNA adding the donation total to RM3,900. The success of MOvember is worth repeating in the future.

www.makna.org.my

P NK OC

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Embrace the power of the pink with Pink October

MAKNA once again collaborated with Alamanda Shopping Mall and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) to empower women to make smart decisions about their health and well-being during the Pink October 2014 program. The program comprised of a wide array of educational activities over three consecutive days at Alamanda Centre Court to increase awareness of breast cancer in conjunction with International Breast Cancer Awareness month. MAKNA General Manager, Farahida Mohd Farid officiated the launch with the Chairman of LPPKN, Tan Sri Napsiah Omar and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of KLCC Sdn.Bhd, Andrew Brien. ‘Alamanda is a shopping mall that strives to make our shoppers feel wonderful at all times whether it is through a fantastic fashion selection, great food or just a good time with friends or family at the mall. The ultimate goal for Alamanda is to provide shoppers a great experience,’ said Andrew Brien.

and sharing of experience by breast cancer survivors. Other free services that were offered were PAP smear tests, BMI tests, glucose tests, cholesterol and blood pressure checks. These activities were aimed at creating a better understanding of breast cancer and to educate women on ways to take control of their situation should they find themselves diagnosed with a health condition. Tan Sri Napsiah Omar, Chairman of LPPKN said, ‘Our role is to provide services to the public in the area of population, family development and human reproduction. We identify and promote research and studies on these three key areas, including medical and biomedical studies. In the 2014 budget, the government announced its commitment to women’s health and well-being, which included RM9 million in aid of free breast prostheses and special brassiere aid for breast cancer patients. We estimate about 8,000 breast cancer patients will benefit from this initiative. It is progressing well as we have screened over 192,365 women across Malaysia.”

‘With the Pink October program, we want to take a step further to empower women to love their bodies by equipping them with knowledge of breast cancer. For three days, Alamanda has put together an array of activities such as information booths, free health screenings and more to educate the public,’ he added.

Besides the educational and health activities, Alamanda shoppers were able to enjoy the Pink Fashion Show that was held between 17 and 19 October 2014, where participating tenants displayed their latest collections to inspire Malaysian women to stay fashionably beautiful at all times even while arming themselves with knowledge of breast cancer. The three-day event for Pink October received tremendous support from shoppers and visitors, who had the privilege of enjoying exclusive services in conjunction with Pink October.

Activities held were talks on breast cancer, breast selfexamination demonstrations, mammogram demonstrations

MAKNA congratulates Alamanda on the success of the event and looks forward to more fruitful collaboration in future.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

CTOBER

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Breast Cancer Awareness

Campaign JTM 2014

Aktiviti PINK OKTOBER telah diraikan oleh Hasilian JTM untuk kali keduanya pada tahun ini. Pada 28/10/2014 kempen dijalankan dengan pengedaran PINK RIBBON kepada Hasilian dan orang awam yang datang ke Menara Hasil pada sebelah pagi. Pada tengaharinya diadakan sesi bergambar pakaian PINK Hasilian JTM dan Menara Hasil, Cyberjaya. Tabung kutipan derma dijalankan dari tarikh tersebut sehingga 5/11/2014.

Mohd Faizatul Azwan (juga kakitangan MAKNA) dan Nining Yumiarti (Sukarelawan MAKNA) berkongsi pengalaman mereka sebagai pesakit kanser kepada orang ramai.

Pada 12 November 2014, Majlis Penyerahan Sumbangan derma sejumlah RM2352.70 kepada MAKNA oleh Pn. Mariam Mohd, pengarah TM. www.makna.org.my

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Relay For Life 2014 Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. This meaningful event is organised by National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). It takes place at various areas such as parks, universities and etc. This year, Relay for life teamed people to camp out for 16 hours at Padang Timur, Dataran Petaling Jaya. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Cancer never sleeps hence relay goes overnight remembering the continuity in fighting back cancer. During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognise and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers facing cancer. Every year volunteers at MAKNA, will take part at this event by gathering a group of cancer survivors and patients and to do their survivors lap with the other teams to show their support and greatfulness for the community.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence. As people take time to remember, those who have walked alongside others battling cancer can grieve and find healing. This is a time that truly highlights the importance of defeating this disease.

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Dato’ Mohd Farid Dianugerah Tokoh Kanser Negara 2014 Presiden Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA), Dato’ Mohd. Farid Ariffin dianugerahkan Tokoh Kanser Negara 2014 oleh Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) pada majlis Makan Malam Kaseh Kanser anjuran Pusat Sumber dan Pendidikan (CaRE) UPM. Anugerah tersebut disampaikan bagi memperingati jasa beliau yang mengasaskan penubuhan MAKNA pada tahun 1994 untuk membantu membiayai rawatan pesakit kanser di seluruh negara terutama golongan kurang berkemampuan.

Penghargaan tersebut disampaikan oleh Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, Datuk Ahmad Maslan yang turut mengumumkan peruntukan RM30,000 kepada CaRE tahun ini. Yang turut hadir pada malam itu, Timbalan Naib Canselor (Jaringan Industri dan Masyarakat) UPM, Prof. Dr. Ir. V. Renuganth; Pengerusi Tabung Kesejahteraan Persatuan Orang Kota Bharu (POKB), Datuk Sheikh Ahmad Dusuki Sheikh Mohamad dan Pengarah CaRE UPM, Prof. Dr. Latiffah A. Latiff. Sempena majlis tersebut, Dr. Latiffah turut melancarkan buku bertajuk CaRE - Kanser 1 Anugerah yang menceritakan pengalaman dan pelbagai kisah menarik daripada 10 individu yang pernah menghidap kanser. Sheikh Ahmad Dusuki turut menyampaikan sumbangan

kepada Datin Norsham Ahmad, isteri kepada bekas Naib Canselor UPM, Allahyarham Datuk Dr. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi yang meninggal dunia akibat kanser. Sementara itu dalam ucapannya, Ahmad berkata, kerajaan memperuntukkan sejumlah RM22.16 bilion kepada Kementerian Kesihatan tahun ini untuk memastikan masyarakat mencapai tahap kesihatan yang berkualiti sepanjang masa. Menyedari dan prihatin masalah yang ditanggung pesakit kanser, kerajaan telah membelanjakan sebanyak RM101.1 juta bagi pengurusan dan rawatan, RM76.1 juta untuk kegunaan ubat-ubatan, RM20 juta bagi bahan konsumabel dan RM5 juta untuk perbelanjaan mengurus. Seterusnya peruntukan sebanyak RM2.55 juta dibelanjakan untuk perkhidmatan paliatif di hospital manakala RM61 juta lagi untuk rawatan kes-kes akut,” katanya.

Dato’ Farid (right) receving the award from Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Ahmad Maslan. www.makna.org.my

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

The Cancer Truth Seminar The 2014 Cancer Truth Seminar marks MAKNA’s second year in partnership with Eu Yang Sang to deliver health talks on cancer and nutrition. Last year’s encouraging response prompted Eu Yan Sang to continue its cooperation with MAKNA and to expand to more states in Malaysia. In 2014, the Cancer Truth Seminar travelled to Kuching, Sarawak and Penang Island. Renowned experts in the field of cancer and nutrition including Dr. Ho Gwo Fuang, UM Hospital oncologist; Mr. Breuss Wang, renowned dietitian from Taiwan; Ms. Grace Chen, president of the Taiwan Cancer Care Foundation; and Professor Sun Ling Xian, assistant administrator of the Beijing Zhenguo Integrative Medicine Tumour Hospital shared useful and beneficial tips with audiences to promote better health. The group of experts spoke on several issues relating to health and cancer, which would enable participants to make informed decisions in caring for themselves. Two hundred and fifty and 400 participants attended in Kuching on 3 August 2014 and a week later in Penang respectively. One of MAKNA’s goals is to organise consistent cancer awareness and education programmes to inform and promote understanding of cancer and related issues, including maintaining healthy lifestyles. The cancer council finds it encouraging to work with a partner such as Eu Yan Sang, which recognises the importance of healthy lifestyles for cancer prevention.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Eu Yan Sang introduced a fundraising element in this year’s programme, where all donations collected during participant registration for the seminar were presented to MAKNA in aid of poor cancer patient’s access to treatment. The campaign raised RM10,109. Awareness and funds are vitally important for charities like MAKNA to continue in our commitment to the public and the cancer community; we are grateful to have Eu Yan Sang as a partner.

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

At the AIPM2014: From left, Pn Farahida Mohd Farid (MAKNA GM), Toh Puan Sri Sagiyah Salikin (MAKNA BOT Member), Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin (MAKNA President), En Zainol Talib (MAKNA Exco member), Dato’ Frieda Dato’ Mohd Pilus (MAKNA Exco Member) and Mdm Usha Pillay (MAKNA Accountant).

MAKNA NOMINATED FOR THE PRIME MINISTER’S INNOVATION AWARD 2014 MAKNA was nominated for the Anugerah Inovasi Perdana Menteri (AIPM) 2014 in June this year. To compete for the award, MAKNA was requested to put together a submission highlighting the main aspects of the non-profit’s “innovation” or “innovativeness” based on the criteria outlined for the award. An engagement session with MAMPU, the selection committee, was called to order on 3 July 2014 and MAKNA was then invited to an interview with MAMPU Deputy Director General, Dr Aizi Razman Ismail to present our case. It was during the latter meeting that we learnt from Dr Aizi that MAKNA had been shortlisted as one of the top three finalists for the AIPM award. On 22 August 2014, MAKNA was officially invited to attend AIPM 2014 held on 5 September 2014 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. The prestigious award was to be presented by the Prime Minister himself and the winner would walk away with RM1 million in cash, a trophy and a certificate. The other finalists’ for the award alongside MAKNA were: 1. Ministry of Health, Malaysia 2. Melaka State Government and Irrigation and Drainage Department, Melaka

3. Ministry of Finance, Malaysia 4. Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism 5. Petaling Jaya City Council 6. Seberang Perai Municipal Council The Ministry of Finance with the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) project bagged the coveted award but to MAKNA, the nomination for AIPM 2014 was recognition from the highest echelons of the government. For a non-profit organisation to be placed on par with other government ministries and agencies was most gratifying. MAKNA may not be equipped with the kind of resources that the other finalists may have had at their disposal but to be shortlisted as the top three is an achievement that will be treasured for a long time to come.

WELL DONE, MAKNA TEAM! www.makna.org.my

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising Dinner for Cancer The second Fundraising Dinner for Cancer was organised by Pn Matahari Helmie Ismail to celebrate the awe-inspiring triumph of MAKNA volunteers and cancer survivor summiting Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. With the unflinching support of her committee consisting of volunteers, Franklin Hazley Lai, Cynthia Robert Dawayan, Laynnee Mariano, Tanty Zaliana Zaki, Caroline Lung, Faridah Pelawa and Deanne Daud, Matahari led the dinner to grand success. Juggling her travel business, family, reaching out to sponsors and donors, selling dinner tickets and getting community-minded people together proved a formidable challenge. Matahari and the committee’s efforts saw 35 full tables at the Pacific Sutera on the night of 5 September, raising RM21,600. Bravo! The dinner was graced by good entertainment and performances by Mr Daud Abdillah & friends, Hippocamps and Jessel Yansalang. Songs from Elvis’ era resonated including Tom Jones’ ‘The Impossible Dream’ performed by Mr Daud Abdillah. The fundraising dinner was held concurrently with MAKNA’s 4th Volunteer Appreciation event for East Malaysia volunteers. MAKNA was able to honour volunteer contributions and share MAKNA’s services and volunteer outreach with dinner guests. Matahari Ismail and Helmie Yusof, the husband and wife team, were among nine 09

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

volunteers from 30 active volunteers present to be recognised with the ‘potential volunteer leader’ award (turn to page 26 to read more). Newly awarded potential volunteer leader, Matahari Ismail had these comments to share: “MAKNA has entrusted me with fulfilling my obligations in providing as much support as I can. My involvement with MAKNA has exposed me to MAKNA services here in Sabah. I was shocked to see the condition of these poor patients during my home visits. My family is very supportive of my involvement and we said to ourselves: we are able; let us get together and alleviate the suffering of others. We can’t reach everyone but we can reach a few. Through many coming together doing their part, I’m sure we can make a difference. Thank you MAKNA for giving me and my family the chance to give back to society.” She ended with a quote by Confucius: Learn to lead in a nourishing manner. Learn to lead without being possessive. Learn to be helpful without taking the credit. Learn to lead without coercion - Lao Tzu, Philosopher Sincere thanks to all who made the fundraising dinner spectacular.

FUNDRAISING

Sincere thanks to all whom made the fundraising dinner magical: LUCKY DRAW SPONSORS Aroma Ristorante Borneo Beads Art Hana Japanese Restaurant Jari–Jari Spa (Touch of Borneo) Langkah Syabas Beach Resort Neobayu Soul of Borneo The Chateau Patisseries Cafe Thyme Out – Chille Vanilla FUNDRAISING DINNER TICKET PRINTING SPONSOR The Orange Channel CELEBRITIES and ENTERTAINERS Daud Abdillah & Friends Hippocamps and Frendz Jessel Yansalang Sound Tech Production PHOTOGRAPHER Helen Mackry Pedersen Mr. Genghiz Khan DONORS & SUPPORTERS Ahmad Firdauss Bin Anifah Amman Best Society Celcom Sabah Regional Office Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Cement Industries (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Datin Siti Rubiah Bt Datuk Abdul Samad Datin Zaleha Abdullah Dewan Perniagaan Bumiputera Sabah Grand M Hotel Graphic Advertising Kak Nong Restaurant Kelola Bistari Sdn Bhd Kinabalu Pink Ribbon Perunding Shahelmey Dan Rakan – Rakan Sdn Bhd  Powerplay Ratna Ariff Powell Sabaedge Sdn Bhd Sabah Ports Authority Sabah Urban Development Corporation Sedco Travel Sri Hebat Store Tan Sri Abdul Majid Khan Tarie Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd

www.makna.org.my

FUNDRAISING

Small Gestures

Make a Difference for Cancer Survivors GEM Restaurant, a well-known Indian food chain with outlets around the Klang Valley and one in Johor Bahru made a pledge in January this year to raise funds for MAKNA, to assist patients under MAKNA’s care.

Managing Director of the Grand GEM Restaurant, Mr Prabhagar Segadevan (second from right) said, “As part of our continuing support of cancer patients in our country, we have placed donation boxes in all our five restaurants, namely The Grand GEM - Johor Bahru, GEM Restaurant – Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Jaipur Mahal Restaurant – Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Putra Palace Restaurant – Putrajaya and GEM Restaurant - Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur as our long-term commitment to MAKNA. We have committed ourselves to this cause because we believe that charity brings out the GEM in you.” The restaurant also organised a separate campaign where for every bill generated at the Johor Bahru outlet, RM1 would be donated to MAKNA. From the two separate initiatives, a total of RM3,265.25 has been raised so far RM 2,194 from the RM1-per-bill project and RM 1,071.25 from the donation boxes (between January and June 2014). Collections from the other four boxes will be handed over to MAKNA at the end of the year. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative has 11

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

given GEM the opportunity to make good on their pledge to give back to society. “I really enjoy doing charity because it’s the least I can do. I strongly believe in giving back,” said Mr Prabhagar. Last year, the Grand GEM Restaurant embarked on its first CSR event known as “Malarum Ninaivugal”, which translates as “Memories that will Blossom.” The live Indian Musical Concert was held at the Grand Gem - Johor Bahru and raised RM15,000 for MAKNA. “This involvement reflects our own aim to be more socially aware and to give back to the underprivileged in Malaysia. We began by choosing cancer, as it is something very personal to most of us, having seen its effects on friends and family,” said Mr Prabhagar. A simple gesture like hosting a donation box can go a long way for a cancer survivor. MAKNA is thankful for GEM Restaurant’s continued support and commitment.

FUNDRAISING

Softlan Tie-up

Spreads Awareness

of Breast Cancer

cancer prevention and treatment. The video helped to raise over one million pledges and RM100,000 towards Softlan’s campaign. During the cheque presentation ceremony, all related charities and some cancer survivors were present at the event to share their personal stories of living with cancer. Five cancer survivors representing each partner charity shared their experience of battling cancer during the

Three years ago, Softlan, the household name for fabric softener in Peninsular Malaysia tied up with MAKNA and other cancer charities for their ‘Breast Cancer Campaign’ to raise funds and spread awareness about breast cancer. The campaign started off in 2011 known simply as the ‘Breast Cancer Campaign’ but was renamed in October 2013 as ‘Because Caring Counts’ in conjunction with breast cancer month. The campaign focused heavily on administering the concept of caring. Softlan’s ‘Because Caring Counts’ campaign stressed the importance of combining support, care and experience to promote early detection of breast cancer. The campaign encouraged women of all ages to undertake breast self examinations (BSE) and to go for breast cancer screenings. Softlan invited many charity organisations to fundraise through their campaign and over the past five years, Softlan has managed to raise a total of RM100,000 for all three of its target charity organisations. In 2013, an infographic video that showed the real impact of breast cancer on individuals, families and friends was produced to encourage the public to unite and support their loved ones in spreading positive messages among Malaysians in relation to

‘Sharing Moments’ session of the event. Each of the survivors had a different approach to tackling the disease but their stories were equal in sharing hope and courage in the fight against cancer. A common theme that ran through their stories was a positive mindset and hope, which got them through their ordeal. All of the survivors had a low moment when they discovered they had cancer but participating in support groups, listening to and reading other survivor stories, and most of all, the support from family and friends helped them through their ordeal. The survivors were grateful for their respective charity organisations that supported them through the rough times and were happy to volunteer with these organisations to raise funds and spread awareness of cancer. The charity organisations, namely BCWA (Breast Cancer Welfare Association), MAKNA (Majlis Kanser Nasional) and NCSM (National Cancer Society Malaysia) were also invited to share how contributions from the campaign over the years had made a difference to their initiatives, projects and breast cancer patients and survivors. MAKNA’s partnership with Softlan is a long-standing one that has proven that sustained effort, commitment and cooperation can yield considerable results over a period of time.

Far left, Mr Arvind Chintamani, Marketing Director of ColgatePalmolive Marketing Sdn. Bhd. and far right, Pn Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager of MAKNA. www.makna.org.my

FUNDRAISING

SAVE & DONATE By PruBSN

PruBSN recently raised RM84,000 for MAKNA in its ‘Save & Donate’ campaign. The campaign ran for a month with the objective of getting customers to save while giving back to society.

The initiative was driven by PruBSN’s sales & marketing team. Each successful case signed on donated RM8 to MAKNA and the month-long campaign ended with good returns to both PruBSN and MAKNA. The initiative by PruBSN was brief but effective in contributing greatly to the cancer community. The gesture will bring hope and alleviate suffering caused by the disease by enabling patients to access treatment and financial support for families affected. We are very grateful to the PruBSN sales team who went the extra mile to make the campaign a success.

Congratulations on a successful campaign! 13

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

COVER STORY

MAKNA Serving Cancer Patients and the Malaysian Public Through the Years After 20 years of providing assistance and dedicated service to cancer patients and the Malaysian public, the National Cancer Council Malaysia also known as MAKNA, is celebrating this major milestone by organising several commemorative events including a tribute to those who succumbed to the disease during this time. www.makna.org.my

COVER STORY

MAKNA has taken great strides from helping a handful of cancer patients to more than 450,000 cases to-date. Through the years, MAKNA has managed to sustain its operations from consistent funding generated from various initiatives, raised independently or in partnership with companies and individuals. MAKNA has persevered through many challenges, and has steadily expanded its services over the past 20 years. Today, it focuses on delivering assistance through the bursary programme, treatment, research, mobile mammograms, cancer education, volunteering, scholarships, a cancer helpline, counselling, cancer support, and so on. MAKNA’s journey began in 1994 when former Deputy Health Minister, Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin set up the non-profit after realising that cancer patients especially in the lower-income groups could not possibly afford cancer treatment without assistance. His own experience with his late son’s struggle

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

with leukemia, who later recovered thanks to a bone marrow transplant, also influenced his decision to establish MAKNA. MAKNA helps provides financial assistance to about 4,500 patients every year through its bursary programme. It is currently involved in supporting and funding 18 on-going research projects that are being conducted by seasoned academicians and researchers around the country. Since 2011, MAKNA has also been providing mobile mammograms via its customised 40-foot trailer, where the service is delivered to the doorstep of folks in remote as well as urban areas. MAKNA struck a partnership with Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM) in 1999 to operate a cancer centre comprising an oncology ward, sub basement radiotherapy and stem cell unit, where patients from all walks of life are treated. The centre is currently known

COVER STORY

as Pusat Kanser MAKNA-Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. To fulfil its education role to inform the public on cancer and related issues, MAKNA has organised talks and exhibitions extensively across the country. Working with companies, government agencies, non-government organisations, communities and schools, MAKNA has focused its attention on spreading the message about adopting a healthy lifestyle and has reached out to cancer communities everywhere, even in very rural areas of the country.

In order for MAKNA to sustain its various types of services and assistance provided to cancer patients and the public, it is in need of continuous contributions and support. In view of escalating costs of cancer treatment (medicine and related equipment), it is vitally important for MAKNA to have the financial support of the public for the poor cancer patients it sustains. Companies and individuals are encouraged to do their bit to help in whatever capacity, whether in contributing their time, energy or money to the cause.

We are very proud to have come this far and to have achieved this much during this memorable 20-year journey. MAKNA would like to thank all our donors, sponsors and everyone who has directly or indirectly been a part of making our mission a reality, to provide assistance for cancer patients in need. MAKNA would not be where it is today if not for your generosity.

THANK YOU! TERIMA KASIH! NANDRI! XIE XIE! www.makna.org.my

COVER STORY

MAKNA Global Advocacy Message

The success of early detection programmes can be measured by a reduction in the stage of the cancer at diagnosis with earlier diagnosis associated with a reduction in the risk of dying from cancer.

More than 5,000 runners participated in MAKNA Founder’s Night Run (MFNR) 2014 at the Water Sports Complex, Precinct 6, Putrajaya on 1 November 2014, representing an increase of 59% more participants than in its inaugural year in 2013. The second MAKNA Founder’s Run was held in commemoration of the National Cancer Council’s twentieth year in operation.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

COVER STORY

MAKNA President, Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin said, “We are extremely proud that MAKNA has ‘grown up’ into a ‘young adult’ after so many years of struggle to sustain our services and provide consistent, relevant and meaningful assistance to the cancer community and the Malaysian public over the past 20 years. ”

This run is important as it marks the milestone of this achievement and helps to energise us to go even further in helping the cancer community cope with the disease, as well as overcome it in some instances. To have survived this long from the goodwill and generous contributions from the public, we are indeed grateful for the strong support of all our stakeholders, whether from individuals, corporate bodies, government agencies, and the society in general.” Race categories set for the MFNR 2014 included the 15km Men & Women Open, 15km Men & Women Veteran, 10km Men & Women Open, 10km Men & Women Veteran, 10km Corporate Challenge, 5km Joy Run and 5km Fancyfool Run. Participating in the MFNR 2014 was a group of cancer patients and survivors who received rousing cheers from the

www.makna.org.my

COVER STORY

public. They were in Kuala Lumpur as part of the three-day MAKNA Wira Kanser Gathering, which took place between 1 and 3 November 2014. The cancer heroes were flagged off separately for a 5 km walk at the same starting line as the rest of the runners. Other stars of the run were celebrity participants including Datuk Aznil Nawawi, Ira Mohd Amin, Mohamed Hefny Sahad, Jihan Muse, Feeya Iskandar, Zaidi Zainal, Dahlia Shazwan, Kong Eu and several other household names who joined in the run, took part in the flagging off of runners and had their picture taken with cancer patients and survivors. MAKNA President, Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin flagged off the first wave - the 15km Men & Women Open and Veteran categories - at 8.00pm. Dato’ Farid was accompanied by Mr Jacob Mathews, a long-time volunteer with MAKNA, cancer survivor and also the recipient of “Tokoh Guru Negara 2013” and “Tokoh Sukan Selangor 2013”. The second wave started at 8.20pm with the 10km Men & Women Open and Veteran categories and Corporate Challenge, while the 5km Joy and Fancyfool Runs began at 8.40 pm. For many who joined, it was more than just a run. Participants ran their hearts out in support of cancer patients they knew or in memory of those who had gone before them, following a battle against cancer. From pre-event feedback, it was learnt that a number of participants, experienced runners or otherwise, had signed up for the run to send a message of courage to stand up to cancer. For others, it was a social event especially for runners participating in the Joy Run and Fancyfool Run, who took great pleasure in making their way to the finishing line in leisurely fashion, whether on roller blades, skateboards, with strollers, in costume or simply as a relaxed stroll. MFNR 2014 came to a close with prize-giving sessions for the 10km category at 10.00 pm and 15km category at 10.30pm, when the winner of the Corporate Challenge category was also announced.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

COVER STORY

PLATINUM PARTNER

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

OFFICIAL FOOD & BEVERAGE SPONSOR

OFFICIAL HAIR SALON JOM BOTAK: BALD FOR CANCER

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

PRODUCT SPONSORS

MASCOTS & PRODUCT

MULTIMEDIA SPONSORS

SUPPORTED BY

RACE PACK VENUE SPONSOR

RACE ORGANISER

SANCTIONING BODY

MASCOTS & PRODUCT

EVENT ORGANISER

www.makna.org.my

Wira

COVER STORY

“

KANSER

(CANCER HEROES)

FETED, WISHES FULFILLED A three-day Wira Kanser Gathering organised by MAKNA (National Cancer Council) from 1 to 3 November 2014 to honour, celebrate and encourage cancer patients and survivors, culminated in a Gala Dinner held at Hotel Sama-Sama in Sepang.

The Wira Kanser Gathering and Gala Dinner were organised in conjunction with MAKNA’s 20th anniversary in service. One hundred and eight patients and survivors as well as accompanying caregivers, numbering 177 attendees in total, had travelled from different parts of the country with some flying in to Kuala Lumpur, courtesy of corporate sponsors. Attending “heroes” consisted of current or past beneficiaries of MAKNA’s bursary assistance. The Gala Dinner and pinnacle event for the gathering was held on the second night of the Wira Kanser Gathering, on 2 November 2014. Participating cancer patients and survivors were ferried to the dinner venue at Hotel Sama-Sama by a fleet of vintage and luxury cars and three buses, which departed from Cempaka Ladies International College in Bandar Nilai. Moreover, the entourage was escorted by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). Following the event, MAKNA’s heroes stayed at the Cempaka Ladies International College, where accommodation was

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

provided free by the college’s management for the duration of the gathering. Some of the activities held during the gathering included an ice breaker session and telematch games at the college itself. Besides MAKNA’s honoured patients and survivors, other VIP guests included Mr David Teo Chew Huat, Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Freddie Fernandez, Mrs Louisa Chong, Kuza, Puan Erma Fatimah, Dato’ Dr. Arunan, Dato’ Azlam Shah Alias, Prof Dr S. Fadilah S. Abd Wahid and Mr Jacob Mathews, a cancer survivor, “Tokoh Guru Negara 2013” and “Tokoh Sukan Selangor 2013”. Also in attendance were MAKNA Executive Committee members, representatives from sponsor companies, donors and medical social work representatives from across Malaysia. In his address, MAKNA President, Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin spoke about the cancer council’s nomination by MAMPU recently for the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award (Anugerah Inovasi Perdana Menteri). “Over the years, we have made

COVER STORY

significant strides on our way to what we are and have become today. As one of the leading non-profits in the country, our efforts have been also recently recognised by the Prime Minister’s Department and MAMPU, when MAKNA was nominated for the Anugerah Inovasi Perdana Menteri and subsequently ended up as one of the top three finalists for the award. “Although we didn’t win, the recognition and commendation was in itself a huge and direct boost to our efforts in bringing a better future for cancer patients as well as communities all over the country.”

“We do not do the job for the sake of recognition or awards. If any acknowledgement is given, we are greatly appreciative of it but we will not veer or stray from our original mission in what has become our ‘rallying cry’ for the past 20 years, that our cancer patients are our biggest priority and certainly will continue to be so as we move forward and meet challenges ahead. www.makna.org.my

COVER STORY

The Gala Dinner included stage acts, some of which had made headway overseas, regionally and internationally. Elecoldxhot, a dance group, which performed two dances during the dinner, came in third in the Hip Hop Championship Finals 2013, held in Las Vegas, USA. Loong Bee, a sand art artist has also ventured overseas and is steadily making a reputation for himself. Najwa Latiff, local singer and YouTube sensation, also sang some of her fans’ favourite tunes during the dinner. Finally, an “electrifying” presentation of dancers dancing in the dark lit by LED lights, performed by DFD Creations, coloured the repertoire. The highlight of the night was delivering the sponsored items of a Wish List, in which desired items had been named by patients prior to the event. Items requested ranged from notebooks, i-Pads, mobile phones, holiday trips, an Umrah package, motorcycles, jewelry to household items like a sewing machine, rice cookers, a washing machine, a year’s supply of rice and so on. The fulfilment of the wish list brought about wide smiles, tears of joy and children jumping with excitement to find that their wishes had been fulfilled. The wish that topped the list was a unique request from a leg amputee, a survivor of bone cancer and MAKNA’s volunteer, Ahmad Nazri Hamzah for a custom-made wheelchair ordered from Japan. The wheelchair will allow Nazri to steer himself better when he is playing wheelchair basketball, a sport for which Nazri represents the country. Nazri was in Incheon, South Korea recently for the 2014 Asian Para Games. The night ended with a pledge by MAKNA to hold a similar gathering in three years’ time. The Wira Kanser Gathering is a recurrent event that leaves a deep impact on patients and survivors, motivating these “heroes” to care for themselves better, continue with their treatment and to learn coping strategies.

09 23

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 01/2014 }

COVER STORY

www.makna.org.my

COVER STORY

As part of MAKNA’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Jom Botak made a ‘bald’ comeback on 1 November 2014, bigger and better than ever before! The scene of the action was the Putrajaya Watersports Complex lakeside, where the MAKNA Founders Night Run was scheduled to take place later in the evening. on sale, at a 50% discount for those who had their heads shaved on the day. For those who missed the event, it is not too late to grab a tee at www.makna.org.my/shop. Choose between stylish yellow and black designs. Students from A Cut Above Academy, volunteers from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the film crew from the Malaysia Book of Records assembled in preparation for hundreds of individuals stepping forward to make a hair-andjaw-dropping statement for cancer. As the official start time of 2pm approached for the head-shaving marathon, crowds gathered and the stylists began their days’ sheering with a feverish target of shaving 500 heads in 5 hours.

As the event drew to a close and the last heads were shaved, a feeling of great achievement lingered with all those involved. The dedicated hairstylists who had worked all day, the student volunteers, volunteers who had their heads shaved and their supporters all contributed to a memorable event and occasion for MAKNA and the Malaysian public to show their compassion and love towards those fighting cancer.

Jom Botak is a distinct approach to raising awareness of cancer as it creates a non-exclusive and creative way for people to show their support of current cancer fighters or those who were affected previously. Whether volunteers were there for a family member, a friend or the general cancer community, everyone was encouraged to come and enjoy the atmosphere whilst remembering the seriousness of the cause. Although the original target of breaking a Malaysian Record by shaving 500 heads in a day was not reached, Jom Botak 2.0 proved a valiant effort with 167 members of the Malaysian public bidding goodbye to their hair as families, friends, other volunteers and MAKNA staff cheered them on. Among Jom Botak 2.0 participants was MAKNA volunteer Ahmad Nazri Hamzah, bone cancer survivor and Mt Kinabalu climber (read page 29).

Siva with Tom Maccabee (right) showing their support by going bald.

Many participants had also fundraised from friends and family before the event via crowdfunding websites peoplegiving.org and simplygiving.org, donating approximately RM40,000 in total to MAKNA after the event. The newly designed Jom Botak T-shirts were also 25

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Urmilla Ganeson (middle) with Vemanna and her uncle Dato’ Dr. Arunan Selvaraj (right).

VOLUNTEERS

“THE COLOURS OF LIFE” MAKNA Volunteer Appreciation

On September 5, a volunteer appreciation ceremony was held at The Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu to honour MAKNA’s East Malaysiabased volunteers for their enduring commitment to voluntary work for the cancer community. It is MAKNA’s fourth year of appreciating volunteers in East Malaysia since 2009. www.makna.org.my

VOLUNTEERS In the 2014 volunteer appreciation ceremony themed “The Colours Of Life”, 30 active volunteers from Sabah and Sarawak received a certificate of appreciation while nine volunteers were identified as potential volunteer leaders. Potential volunteer leaders are identified as next-in-line leaders who will be responsible for building volunteer teams in East Malaysia. Matahari Ismail, Helmie Yusof, Christopher Ruddy Foong, Zainab Batin, Dr. Vasanthi Selvaraju, Elvinna Lanjim, Norazirah Ayob, Cherylyn Jurit and Ak. Azlan Pg. Othman were awarded blue vests, a reminder of their growing responsibility in ensuring that MAKNA volunteer work is executed effectively. Blue vests who pass the potential volunteer leaders’ test are then promoted to the role of Volunteer Leaders, the highest recognition for voluntary works in the MAKNA cancer community. Potential volunteer leader recognition is awarded by the Volunteer Management Unit based on observation of volunteer commitment and quality of work. It is open to all volunteers who demonstrate responsibility, leadership in planning, organizing and executing MAKNA volunteer activities under the supervision of Volunteer Leaders. Potential volunteer leaders then engage in the development of new teams and in building MAKNA’s network of volunteers with the support of Volunteer Leaders. From the very first day an individual registers to be a MAKNA volunteer, it is mandatory that they undertake compulsory volunteer training, which includes the MAKNA Introductory Programme, Basic Nursing Care I & II, Home & Hospital visits, Cancer Awareness & Exhibition and Fundraising Activities modules. Volunteers are monitored and a periodic assessment is conducted to track volunteer performance and quality.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Volunteers may be promoted to leadership roles and expand volunteer networks in their locality. Such networks enhance social obligations and strengthen MAKNA presence locally. “The Colours of Life” theme was chosen to signify the diversity of people, professions, expertise, strengths and values. These differences, when harnessed effectively, yield a certain level of cooperation and commitment that encourages development and multiplies opportunities in depth and breadth to benefit other people. In the MAKNA context, our diversity of strengths benefit cancer patients and their families. Each year, hundreds of volunteers offer substantial amounts of time to MAKNA, content with only the satisfaction of having contributed to the cancer cause. Volunteers support organizations because they believe in the cause and hope to make a difference. Not all volunteer experiences are smooth sailing all of the time but some volunteers nevertheless turn things around and give their utmost best, their loyalty and commitment for the greater good. We strongly believe that volunteers’ primary drive is kindness and compassion. Their ardent drive never goes unnoticed. MAKNA volunteers are recognized for their work in small, sincere and thoughtful ways. Every contribution is recorded in their volunteer assessment and they feel that their efforts are appreciated, which motivates them to proudly uphold their volunteer commitments. The role of volunteers is tremendous for any charity, including MAKNA. Annually, International Volunteers Day is celebrated every 5 December as an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985.

VOLUNTEERS

LAPORAN KAYUHAN MUAFAKAT AMAL MERDEKA 2014 07/08/2014 10 pagi: Perjumpaan dan mesyuarat bersama wakil parlimen Sri Gading, En. Hafiz, Pn. Zabedah dan juga urusetia program dari UTM Cik Fadzilah, Cik Mastika & En. Aiman. Perbincangan mengenai program berkenaan yang akan menjelajah di seluruh Johor. 22/08/2014 9 pagi: Tiada perasmian program di Parlimen Sri Gading kerana majlis perkabungan MH17 melibatkan Datuk Aziz Kaprawi. Namun program mengutip sumbangan untuk tabung MAKNA telah dijalankan di sekitar Dataran Penggaram Batu Pahat dan Parit Raja. 3 petang: Program berlangsung di Rumah Kebajikan JIC. Para peserta dan urusetia yang terlibat mendengar ceramah yang disampaikan oleh Pn. Latipah serta perkongsian pengalaman menghadapi kanser oleh “cancer survivor” Encik Ahmad bin Md Amin (kanser limfoma) , Encik Roslan Bin Shamsuri (kanser usus dan sedang menjalani rawatan kemoterapi) dan Pn. Latipah sendiri. Sumbangan berbentuk barangan kering juga disampaikan oleh wakil bagi pihak Universiti kepada “survivors” yang hadir. 24/08/2014 8 pagi: Program perasmian di Dataran Tanjung Emas, Muar dirasmikan oleh isteri kepada Menteri Besar Johor, Datin Seri Rosni. Turut hadir isteri kepada Exco Pembangunan Perumahan Negeri Johor, Datin Karmila.

www.makna.org.my

FEATURE STORY

1 - 4 September

KLIMB FO “Klimb for Kancer” (the letter K derived from ‘Kinabalu’) is an annual cancer awareness and fundraising climbing expedition organised by MAKNA since 2012. This year, 19 volunteer climbers including cancer survivor and leg amputee, Ahmad Nazri Hamzah completed the mission to conquer Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095 metres. For cancer survivor, Ahmad Nazri Hamzah, losing a leg has only spurred him to go further. The 24-year-old who represents the country in wheelchair basketball, scaled Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for the cancer cause. During the previous year’s expedition, Nazri’s feat ended at Sayat-Sayat check point as he reached the checkpoint just fifteen minutes too late; the checkpoint closed at 5.00am for access to the summit. His extraordinary determination, perseverance and effort successfully brought him to the peak in this years’ feat. Nothing could replace Nazri’s overwhelming joy at accomplishing his goal. The unsuccessful first attempt did not hold him back. For Nazri, failure only defines those who do not try again.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

“I made it to the top! I just want can that they can still complete what oth doesn’t stop just because you have one leg,” he said. Thank You Corezone for Nazri’s climbing apparel sponsorship. The other MAKNA climbers included international volunteers Ms Heidi Wevik from Norway, Mr Chong Kam Seng from the Netherlands, Leong Bee Leng from Hong Kong and MAKNA staff member, Rajibul Hassan from Bangladesh. East Malaysian climbers included

FEATURE STORY

OR KANCER 2014 cer patients and survivors to know ers may find challenging. Life cancer or just because you have

Ms Diana Teh from Sarawak while the rest were from West Malaysia â€“ Kong Eu, Max Chong, Cheah Yeng Yeng, Yahya Zakaria, Nur Hidayah, Suliana Jamaluddin, Qawiem Shafiq, Zulhilmee, Azizah Harun (MAKNA staff) and MAKNA Klimb for Kancer committee members Ms Hanita Hanim, Ms Premalatha, Ms Chong Mei Ling and Mr Vemanna. Several of the climbers who ran individual fundraising campaigns on peoplegiving.org and simplygiving.com managed to raise more than the

www.makna.org.my

FEATURE STORY

minimum target of RM2,000 set for each volunteer climber. Volunteers set their own targets with some surpassing RM10,000 each. A fundraising dinner was also held in support of Klimb for Kanser (read more at page 9). All in all, the campaign raised RM152,600. MAKNA deputy general manager, Vemanna Appannah, who led the expedition, described the climb as an enduring physical and mental test. “Although some of us are seasoned climbers, the group prepared two months ahead by climbing various hills and smaller mountains like Bukit Broga, Bukit Datuk, Bukit Gasing and engaged in step training at Batu Caves. The selfless climbers deserve a big pat on the back and ‘thank you’ as they made the fundraising effort possible,’’ he added.

KLIMB FOR KANCER 2015 is now open for registration. Please e-mail Ms Hidayah at hidayah@makna.org.my to register for an uplifting experience of a lifetime. 31

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

FEATURE STORY

CLIMBER’S

Why the Climbers think the Climb was important. Klimb for Kancer importantly help raise cancer awareness to public and MAKNA’s services in supporting financially challenged cancer patients in getting required help during treatment processes.

I was not physically fit, but managed to reach the peak at my own pace. An amazing and awesome feeling ever experienced, overcoming my challenge with mere perseverance.

It somehow reflects cancer patients struggle, fighting for hope and seeing the light in the darkness – determined to overcome obstacles ahead.

Each and every hiking is a new adventure. I felt proud with my accomplishment especially when conquering Kinabalu was with cancer survivor, high spirited volunteers and committed MAKNA staff. As I progresses to the top of the mountain, i could proudly say,

I gained new knowledge and skills. I hope to be a better person and be capable to contribute back to society in many more coming opportunities.

The climb was aspiring, gave me another opportunity to give back to the community, an excellent outdoor activity to boost morale support and a reflection of life’s journey. It was an unforgettable journey seeing the determination of a cancer survivor amputee conquering the Malaysia’s highest peak just with one leg. I met many climbers, made many friends and exchanged good experiences too.

I certainly look forward to the next expedition. The experience was awesome. I mingled with new volunteers and cancer survivor, share some great experiences, opportunities and difficulties in overcoming challenges.

It really built my character in reaching out to people.

The journey to the summit of Mount Kinabalu has taught me a lesson of life - NEVER GIVE UP! It was a wonderful and memorable experience being together with the other MAKNA climbers. Thank you so much MAKNA!

I was very taken by the K4K cause because it was an opportunity to give back. To give back to society, as a human being, as part of the world. It also gave me a tremendous opportunity to learn about cancer, especially so how financially-challenged cancer patients have to deal and go through with cancer. The participants came from different parts of the world & from different perspectives literally to support a wonderful cause born out of LOVE. The entire journey was absolutely amazing!

www.makna.org.my

INTERNATIONAL

Fighting Cancer Across South East Asia On 8 September 2014, MAKNA welcomed its Vietnamese partners from the Bright Future Foundation, the National K Hospital and the Ministry of Health onto Malaysian soil for a knowledge exchange on cancer advocacy. As the International Division continues to grow from strength to strength building on a successful fundraising training session in Hanoi in March, training and development continues to be high and healthy on the regional agenda. While the delegation from MAKNA headquarters to Vietnam was focused on fundraising and NGO management, the objective of the September session was to offer insight into ways in which cancer is addressed in Malaysia. Visits to the Ministry of Health, National Population and Family Development board (LPPKN), National Cancer Society Malaysia, Breast Cancer Wellness Association and the Pink Ribbon Foundation were arranged during the four-day visit, which included a half-day session with MAKNA president and founder Dato’ Farid Mohd Ariffin.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

With a special focus on Breast and Cervical cancer prevention, the main objective was to provide visitors with information they could apply in Vietnam – where the death rate for cancer is far higher than in Malaysia. It was a privilege to have renown doctors such as Dr Devanand from the Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation and Dr Saunthari Somasundaram from the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Prof Dr Zaharah Aiyub from Breast Cancer Welfare Association share their wisdom with International Division staff and MAKNA’s Vietnamese partners. The information shared in the meetings sealed a solid foundation for future activities by MAKNA in Vietnam.

Laughter Therapy, Qigong and Yoga MAKNA Vietnam is pleased to announce a new activity in partnership with the Hung Viet Hospital in Hanoi for cancer patients and survivors. With a new set of volunteers, MAKNA Vietnam is holding weekly sessions of laughter therapy, yoga and qigong to bring together cancer survivors and patients. The activity was inspired by a visit to Malaysian NGOs doing similar activities with their volunteer groups at the September session. Regular physical activity and spending time in a social environment are two things known to increase well-being and overall health â€“ two major factors, which can decrease an individualâ€™s likelihood of developing cancer. Led by Master Vinh - top master at the Hanoi Laughter Yoga school and a group of volunteers from the Hanoi School of Public Health, all patients with stable conditions and their family members have been attending the class. This is the beginning of what MAKNA hopes to be provision of a range of therapeutic activities for cancer patients and survivors as we grow our volunteer base in Vietnam.

www.makna.org.my

RESEARCH

INTELLIGENT SCREENING SYSTEM

for

By Prof Madya Dr.Nor Ashidi Bin Mat Isa, Faculty of Engineering, USM

Cervical cancer is a worldwide problem affecting women. Malaysia has a population of 11.34 million women aged above 14 who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. According to the statistics last updated on 14 July 2014, every year, 2145 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 621 die from the disease.

www.makna.org.my

RESEARCH

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women. In actual fact, cervical cancer is not a death sentence as it is preventable and treatable if detected at an early stage. The mortality rate due to cervical cancer has been reduced tremendously as a consequence of widespread Pap-smear screening. Nevertheless, Pap-smear screening tests do not always yield accurate results as it is prone to human error such as misdiagnosis due to inexperience and the issue of human fatigue. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organisation, released the latest data on worldwide cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence on 12 December 2013. According to the updated version of IARCâ€™s online database, GLOBOCAN 2012, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 83,195 new cases and 35,673 deaths in 2012. The estimation of cervical cancer deaths annually in Malaysia was about 621 in 2012. Cervical cancer is the fifth leading cause of female cancerrelated deaths in Malaysia and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 15 to 44 in Malaysia, according to data updated on 14 July 2014.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

From the statistics, cervical cancer can have devastating effects, with a very high human, social, and economic cost, affecting women in their prime. However, this disease should not be a death sentence as it takes years to develop from the precancerous stage to the severe stage. The use of low-tech and inexpensive screening tools could significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer deaths. Dr George Papanicolaou discovered more than 70 years ago that precancerous cells from the cervix could be identified before they turned lethal. He detected many asymptomatic cancer cases where some were in such an early stage that they were undetectable on a biopsy. The vaginal smear later became known as the Pap-smear. As Pap-smear screenings could detect cancer before it became symptomatic, they help early detection and enable prevention of the cancer from spreading and progressing to a severe stage. Early detection and treatment can prevent 75% of cancers from developing. In the UK, cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35. The mortality rate from cervical

RESEARCH

availability of a histopathology service for cervical cancer screening activity depends directly on the availability of a pathologist. In addition to the problem of shortages in manpower, human error is an important issue which affects the screening activity. A possible way to handle these issues is to automate the screening and diagnosing process.

With a high accuracy and user-friendly automatic cervical cancer screening system, the diagnosis process will be less dependent on the availability of pathologists or extensive medical facilities. Furthermore, automatic screening solves problems due to human error during the screening procedure such as fatigue or lack of diagnostic skill of some cytotechnologists. The development of an intelligent diagnostic system which complements the expertise of a human expert in the field, is becoming necessary towards reducing the incidence and mortality rate of cervical cancer in Malaysia. By introducing NeuralPap, images captured from cervical slides can be processed using a computer and require shorter processing periods. Consequently, at higher screening frequency, more patients can be covered and this enables effective screening. This project aims to reduce the time consumed and labour needed in conducting a cervical cancer screening â€“ and more importantly, to decrease the number of new cases and rate of mortality due to cervical cancer. cancer dropped significantly after the implementation of screening programmes. After the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme started in the late 1980s, cervical cancer incidence rates decreased considerably. Cervical screening saves approximately 4,500 lives per year and prevents up to 3,900 cases of cervical cancer in England. In western countries, the introduction of screening programs has successfully reduced incidence and mortality rates. Nevertheless, in less developed countries, women do not have access to effective screening activities. In Malaysia, the screening coverage is still poor, with the last statistics stating only a 2% screening coverage in 1992, 3.5% in 1995, and 6.2% in 1996. The reasons behind this poor screening coverage might be the uneven distribution of medical facilities and the shortages in human experts in relevant fields, i.e. pathologists and cytotechnologists.

In order to achieve this aim, the two objectives of the NeutralPap project include:(a) To diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage with high accuracy of the diagnosis result. (b) To reduce dependence on pathologists and cytotechnologists in screening activities through a userfriendly system. By having this system, cervical cancer screening results will be available in a shorter period, thus making it possible to cover more patients in higher screening, which is important for making an effective screening activity possible. MAKNA allocated RM210,000.00 for this research in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, USM under research principal, Associate Professor Dr Nor Arshidi Mat Isa

The histological interpretation of tissue changes requires a medical background and specialized training. As a result, the

www.makna.org.my

HEALTH FOCUS

ESSENTIAL REASONS

Food By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Organic food was the only option for thousands of years. Now, with

pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and genetically-modified foods, organic is still the best option. Here are 17 reasons to eat organic food: 39

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Genetically-modified foods were unleashed on the environment and the public by corporations like Monsanto without prior testing to determine their safety. In other words, eating genetically-modified foods (which most people in in large amounts) is participating in a longterm, uncontrolled experiment. Choose organic to avoid participating in this experiment.

More and more research is coming in about the health threat of genetically-modified food. The results range from intestinal damage, allergies, liver or pancreatic problems, testicular cellular changes, tumors, and even death in the experimental animals. For more information, read the excellent books by Jeffrey M. Smith Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette. I’ll discuss more of the problems linked with GMOs in upcoming blogs. Eating third-party certified organic foods or those that are guaranteed to be grown from organic seed helps protect you from the health consequences of GMOs.

Fruits and vegetables are real food, not pesticide factories. Eighteen percent of all genetically-modified seeds (and therefore foods that grow from them) are engineered to produce their own pesticides. Research shows that these seeds continue producing pesticides inside your body once you’ve eaten the food grown from them! Foods that are actually pesticide factories…no thanks.

They’re free of neurotoxins - toxins that are damaging to brain and nerve cells. A commonly-used class of pesticides called organophosphates was originally developed as a toxic nerve agent during World War I. When there was no longer a need for them in warfare, industry adapted them to kill pests on foods. Many pesticides are still considered neurotoxins. Learn more about pesticides in The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan.

They’re supportive of growing children’s brains and bodies. Children’s growing brains and bodies are far more susceptible to toxins than adults. Choosing organic helps feed their bodies without the exposure to pesticides and genetically-modified organisms, both of which have a relatively short history of use and therefore safety).

In study after study, research from independent organizations consistently shows organic food is higher in nutrients than traditional foods. Research shows that organic produce is higher in vitamin C, antioxidants, and the minerals calcium, iron, chromium, and magnesium.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that pesticides pollute the primary drinking source for half the American population. Organic farming is the best solution to the problem. Buying organic helps reduce pollution in our drinking water.

Organic food is earth-supportive (when big business keeps their hands out of it). Organic food production has been around for thousands of years and is the sustainable choice for the future. Compare that to modern agricultural practices that are destructive of the environment through widespread use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers and have resulted in drastic environmental damage in many parts of the world.

Organic food choices grown on small-scale organic farms help ensure independent family farmers can create a livelihood. Consider it the domestic version of fair trade.

www.makna.org.my

HEALTH FOCUS

Most organic food simply tastes better than the pesticidegrown counterparts.

Eating organic may reduce your cancer risk. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides, and 30% of insecticides potentially cancer-causing. It is reasonable to think that the rapidly increasing rates of cancer are at least partly linked to the use of these carcinogenic pesticides.

Organic food is not exposed to gas-ripening like some nonorganic fruits and vegetables (like bananas).

Organic farms are safer for farm workers. Research at the Harvard School of Public Health found a 70% increase in Parkinsonâ€™s disease among people exposed to pesticides. Choosing organic foods means that more people will be able to work on farms without incurring the higher potential health risk of Parkinsonâ€™s or other illnesses.

Organic food supports wildlife habitats. Even with commonly used amounts of pesticides, wildlife is being harmed by exposure to pesticides.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Choosing organic meat lessens your exposure to antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and drugs that find their way into the animals and ultimately into you.

Organic food is tried and tested. By some estimates genetically-modified food makes up 80% of the average personâ€™s food consumption. Genetic modification of food is still experimental. Avoid being part of this wide scale and uncontrolled experiment.

Organic food supports greater biodiversity. Diversity is fundamental to life on this planet. Genetically-modified and non-organic food is focused on high yield monoculture and is destroying biodiversity.

Adapted from The Life Force Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD.

HEALTH FOCUS

Many Health Exper ts

& Hereâ€™s Why by Steve Williams

If e-cigarettes are supposed to help us quit smoking, why are so many doctors calling for them to be banned or at the very least more closely regulated?

www.makna.org.my

HEALTH FOCUS

This month 129 public health officials and medical experts from across 31 countries and from institutions as varied as the University of Hawaii to the UK Faculty of Public Health have written to the Director General of the World Health Organisation, urging for more evidence-based regulation when it comes to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), more commonly known as e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes aren’t in fact a new technology but have recently become available as a mass market product. While they differ in form, they are usually a battery-powered vaporizer device which, looking like a cigarette, simulates the process of tobacco smoking while producing an aerosol that looks like smoke. They tend to deliver a comparatively small amount of nicotine into the body to stop cravings, and are being marketed at smokers as an intermediary step toward quitting, with the industry telling us they are far more healthy than cigarettes –and that’s where the problem lies. In particular, the experts writing to WHO are concerned about how tobacco companies appear to have moved to buy up e-cigarette technology and incorporate it into their marketing as a product with a number of health benefits over cigarettes and, apparently, no significant side effects. This, they say, has not been proven and in some cases goes against what scant research we have on ENDS technology. Says the letter: It is fundamental that WHO and other public health authorities not buy into the tobacco industry’s well-documented strategy of presenting itself as a “partner.” If the tobacco industry was committed to reducing the harm caused by tobacco use, it would announce target dates to stop manufacturing, marketing and selling its “more harmful” products rather than simply adding e-cigarettes to its product mix and rapidly taking over the e-cigarette market. It would also immediately desist from its aggressive opposition to tobacco control policies such as tax increases, graphic health warnings and plain packaging. By moving into the e-cigarette market, the tobacco industry is only maintaining its predatory practices and increasing profits. As stated in the guidelines for Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, there is a “fundamental and irreconcilable conflict of interest” between

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

the tobacco industry’s interests and public health’s interests.” The letter spells out concerns over how the industry is targeting young people with e-cigarettes, usually under the guise of trying to get people to quit regular cigarettes. If the industry is doing this, it must therefore have proof that e-cigarettes are beneficial in helping young people quit, right? To the contrary, the letter points to some evidence which suggests far from helping ween teens from cigarettes, ENDS technology may in itself be an attractive prospect for new smokers. Critically, the health experts also take issue with the idea that there is sufficient evidence to say e-cigarettes actually help people quit. In fact, they contend that population studies show that when people use both e-cigarettes as well as standard cigarettes, which constitutes the majority of e-cigarette users, they are in fact less likely to stop smoking altogether. In addition, what evidence we do have that e-cigarettes can help is very limited. For instance, we don’t know how effective e-cigarettes are compared to conventional nicotine therapies, so we have no real way of knowing whether e-cigarettes have any benefits over standard therapies. Furthermore, and this is perhaps the most crucial area of the letter, there is reason to be concerned that e-cigarettes may carry potential health consequences: There is already good evidence that ENDS emissions release several toxic substances into the environment that cause harm to health. These substances include ultrafine particles, propylene glycol, tobacco-specific nitrosamines; nicotine; volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carcinogens and reproductive toxins, including benzene, lead, nickel, and others. Proposals to allow ENDS use in indoor spaces like workplaces, bars and transportation could see significant exposure to these substances.

HEALTH FOCUS

The letter also notes that nicotine, which is contained within the ENDS cartridges, can be potentially hazardous and there has been a statistically significant though still relatively low rise in the number of people suffering nicotine poisoning as a result of improperly stored or used cartridges, particularly affecting children and pets like inquisitive dogs. As such, the medical experts are calling on WHO to consider a regulatory framework that would ban the import and potentially the sale of e-cigarettes until such a time as the industry’s claims have been proven and the product is known to be safe.

It is of course important not to be alarmist. The absolute honest message here is we simply don’t know enough about the e-cigarette technology to understand whether the benefits do outweigh the risks. It is also worth recognizing that there are a number of people who report that e-cigarettes have been the thing to help them quit smoking when nothing else could. That’s wonderful, but it isn’t testable evidence of the e-cigarettes’ wider safety or effectiveness. Until we have that, the tobacco industry in particular should not be allowed to act as if e-cigarettes are a proven technology without potential negative health implications.

www.makna.org.my

HEALTH FOCUS

by Melissa Breyer

If you think cigarettes are simply dried tobacco leaves rolled in paper, you’re about 597 ingredients off. The tobacco industry has become master mixologists with the additives. Some ingredients are added for flavor, but research has shown that the key purpose of using additives is to improve tobacco’s potency resulting in increased addictiveness - and the additives they choose to use are dreadful. I remember hearing something about “the list” back in the 1990s when tobacco companies first started being taken to task for their dastardly ways, but seeing the list again now that I’m educated about chemistry and health, I am absolutely staggered. It’s amazing this isn’t in the news everyday. It’s bad enough that many of these ingredients are approved for use in food–but that they haven’t been tested for burning? When burnt, the whole mess results in over 4,000 chemicals, including over 40 known carcinogenic compounds and 400 other toxins. These include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT. You know it’s bad when the Phillip Morris website has this posted on their homepage: Nearly 5,000 chemicals have been identified in tobacco smoke to date. Public health authorities have classified between 45 and 70 of those chemicals, including carcinogens, irritants and other toxins, as potentially causing the harmful effects of tobacco use. According to Dr. and Mrs. Quit, also known as Lowell Kleinman, M.D., and Deborah Messina-Kleinman, M.P.H., from the Quit Smoking Center, cigarette flavors have gone 45

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

through many changes since cigarettes were first made. Initially, cigarettes were unfiltered, allowing the full “flavor” of the tar to come through. As the public became concerned about the health effects of smoking, filters were added. While this helped alleviate the public’s fears, the result was a cigarette that tasted too bitter. (And filters do not remove enough tar to make cigarettes less dangerous. They are just a marketing ploy to trick you into thinking you are smoking a safer cigarette.) The solution to the bitter-tasting cigarette was easy–have some chemists add taste-improving chemicals to the tobacco. But once they got rolling they figured out they could really maximize the whole addiction part, what a hook. They found that a chemical similar to rocket fuel helps keep the tip of the cigarette burning at an extremely hot temperature, which allows the nicotine in tobacco to turn into a vapor so your lungs can absorb it more easily. Or how about ammonia? Adding ammonia to cigarettes allows nicotine in its vapor form to be absorbed through the lungs more quickly. This, in turn, means your brain can get a higher dose of nicotine with each inhalation. Now that’s efficiency.

HEALTH FOCUS

For a start, here’s the who’s who of the most toxic ingredients used to make cigarettes tastier, and more quickly, effectively addictive:

Stearic Acid Butane

Candle wax

Lighters Paint Methanol Rocket fuel

Acetic Acid Vinegar

Hexamine Fire starter

Methane Sewer gas Methoprene Cadmium

Insecticide

Batteries

Toluene Industrial solvent

Arsenic Poison

Ammonia Carbon monoxide

Household cleaner

Exaust gas

For the whole list of 599 additives used in cigarettes, see the BBC Worldservice page What’s in a Cigarette. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/sci_tech/features/health/tobaccotrial/inacigarette599.htm www.makna.org.my

HEALTH FOCUS

by Steve Williams

Stopping smoking is something that a lot of people try at this time of year as they attempt to improve their health.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

HEALTH FOCUS One thing that might be a barrier to following through with that is the belief that stopping smoking will cause anxiety. As it is generally held that smoking is a calming (if very unhealthy) habit, this is perhaps not that surprising. Now though, researchers from Birmingham university and Oxford King’s college have found this isn’t true.

“It is hugely encouraging to be able to demonstrate that smoking cessation leads to an improvement in mental health,” lead author Gemma Taylor from the University of Birmingham is quoted as saying. “Smoking rates in the general population have declined substantially over the last 40 years. However, the rates of smoking in people with mental health problems have barely changed. Part of this disparity is due to the myth that stopping smoking will worsen mental health. I believe this research debunks this myth and I hope that these findings motivate people with and without mental health problems to stop smoking.”

The researchers took data from across 26 existing studies that examined and evaluated mental health prior to giving up smoking and then at least six weeks after giving up smoking. All of these studies involved people who were either healthy adults (healthy being without ongoing mental health concerns) and patients with long-term physical or psychiatric health problems. On average, the smokers To put this last point another were 44 years old and smoked 10-40 way, the researchers found that cigarettes a day. All were questioned before they tried to give up smoking if people were worried about and again after their attempt — an quitting smoking leading to a average of six months later. All of the volunteers in the studies were worsening of their mental health assessed to gauge their mental health problems, this tended to predict before and after using standardized scorecards which allow respondents a worsening of anxiety, but it to report varying rates of anxiety, appears that actually stopping depression, stress and overall quality of life. By analyzing the studies and smoking isn’t to blame - its the comparing the results, the team found worry over losing something the that volunteers who quit smoking saw several mental health benefits, smoker had believed was helping including lower levels of anxiety. This them deal with their anxiety or effect was observed regardless of the volunteer’s mental health status. other mental health issues. Said the report authors: “Both quantitative and qualitative analyses smokers report alleviate emotional of depression

indicate that regular smoking cigarettes to problems and feelings and anxiety, to stabilize mood, and for relaxation as well as relieving stress. This pattern of behavior occurs in smokers with and without diagnosed mental disorders. Unsurprisingly, views about smoking predict whether or not people attempt to quit and whether or not they are successful.”

What’s more, due to smoking’s negative effects on our physical health, quitting smoking could in fact improve overall health, which in turn can lead to a reduction of mental health symptoms.

The researchers hypothesize that the higher levels of smoking among people with mental health problems might serve to at least partially explain why those with mental health disorders are more likely to die earlier than those without mental health problems. Research has previously indicated that rather than soothing anxiety and depression, cigarettes actually exacerbate symptoms. While it is true that nicotine in cigarettes does give an almost immediate sense of relaxation, this isn’t actually treating stress or anxiety. That means the underlying mental health condition still exists, and what is more, people then become reliant on the very unhealthy smoking habit to help try to keep their symptoms under control, yet all that is really happening is a smoker is feeding their nicotine addiction.

Nevertheless, those suffering from mental health issues like anxiety and depression may find quitting smoking tough because the very thought can make them anxious. One way to manage the process of quitting smoking, and one that might be particularly helpful for those who are worried about anxiety, is creating a “Quitting Smoking Plan” that helps them to carefully structure the way they quit.

www.makna.org.my

LIFE GOES ON

... ADA ORANG YANG LEBIH MENDERITA KESAKITAN ... Surida Abdul Rahim Diagnosis: Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML) Tiada siapa dapat menduga ketentuan Allah. Kita hanya boleh redha dan pasrah dia atas ketentuannya. Pun begitu saya sangat bersyukur dengan dugaan ini. Ada orang yang lebih menderita kesakitan dan pelbagai lagi. Sejarah ‘medical’ dalam keluarga saya yang besar begini, tiada seorang pun yang ada ‘gene’ penyakit ‘leukemia. Hanya saya seorang yang menghidapinya. Sejujurnya, saya tidak tahu punca penyakit ini. Biasanya saya seorang yang sukar untuk dijangkiti selesema, demam atau batuk dalam setahun. Saya merasa hairan kenapa saya selalu mengalami selesema, demam dan batuk sehingga berlarutan lebih dari 6 bulan. Ubat selsema yang saya ambil bersilih ganti (3 jenis) namun ia tidak membantu menyembuhkannya. Ia bermula ketika saya berada di rumah ibu saya, malam itu cuti am Hari Kemerdekaan Negara. Ketika saya sedang berjalan menuju ke dapur dari ruang tamu, tiba-tiba saja saya rebah/ gelongsor dan terus terduduk atas lantai.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

LIFE GOES ON Perlahan-lahan saya cuba bangun sendiri walaupun ibu cuba membantu untuk memapah tapi saya tidak benarkan. Dalam keadaan begini, berat badan kita menjadi lebih berat. Selepas keadaan menjadi ‘stable’ barulah saya bersiap- siap untuk ke klinik berdekatan tapi klinik yang ada di Bandar tiada satu pun beroperasi. Saya, ibu dan abang saya terpaksa bergegas ke hospital dan dimasukkan ke unit kecemasan. Setelah melalui prosedur tertentu, saya kemudiannya di masukkan ke wad untuk pemeriksaan selanjutnya. Beberapa hari di dalam wad, saya terpaksa menahan kesakitan mengambil darah 2-3 kali sehari. Disangkakan saya dijangkiti demam denggi, namun setelah beberapa hari akhirnya saya disahkan mengidap leukemia. Dua orang doktor wanita datang berjumpa saya untuk menyampaikan berita. Pada mulanya mereka teragak-agak untuk memberitahu, bimbang akan reaksi saya, setelah saya beritahu yang saya okey, barulah mereka sampaikan berita yang sebenar. Mereka agak terkejut apabila melihat saya tenang saja menerima berita tersebut. Mereka juga ada beri cadangan untuk saya buat pemeriksaan selanjutnya samada di Ipoh atau Pulau Pinang. Saya beritahu doctor, saya perlu sedikit masa untuk berbincang dengan ahli keluarga yang lain. Setelah mendapat kata sepakat, saya beritahu doctor bahawa saya perlukan

‘2nd opinion’ dan abang saya meminta saya datang ke Kuala Lumpur untuk rawatan selanjutnya. Saya menjalani pemeriksaan di sebuah klinik pakar (swasta). Doctor mengambil sampel darah dan dia menunjukkan di screen keadaan sel-sel darah putih saya. Selepas itu, doctor menasihati saya dan keluarga supaya jangan risau. Beliau ‘recommend’ saya pergi ke HUKM untuk menerima selanjutnya. doktor ada mengatakan bahawa di HUKM ada ‘the best’ pakar. Di sinilah saya menerima dan melalui segala rawatan bagi menyembuhkan penyakit leukemia yang saya alami. Selama hampir 4 bulan saya menerima rawatan. Pelbagai proses dan prosedur telah saya lalui. Akhir tahun 2013, bulan November baru saya di benarkan keluar dari hospital. Hingga kini saya masih menerima rawatan susulan sebelum boleh membuat ‘Harvesting” dan “transplant” Berbekalkan doa-doa dari ibu, keluarga serta orang sekeliling saya (termasuk doctor, jururawat serta rakan-rakan) berserta semangat dan keinginan yang kuat untuk sembuh, saya sanggup melalui segala dugaan dan cabaran demi untuk sembuh dari penyakit LEUKEMIA.

www.makna.org.my

LIFE GOES ON

MAKNA CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS (MCSG) There are so many questions in the cancer journey. You don’t have to walk alone.

Contact your nearest MAKNA volunteer. We’re here to help you get through the cancer challenge. Most of our volunteers are cancer survivors who are able to share their survival learnings with you. MAKNA has volunteers across Malaysia just waiting to reach out to you but we need you to make the first step. Call us today. 1. Ipoh, Perak and Kedah Azlina Abdullah - MAKNA Volunteer Leader Breast Cancer Survivor Tel: 013 524 2060

4. Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Nining Yumiarti - MAKNA Volunteer Leader Breast Cancer Survivor Tel: 019 236 1208

2. Johor Bahru, Johor Pn Latipah Saat - MAKNA Volunteer Leader Colon Cancer Survivor Tel: 016 700 6037

5. Perlis Pn Norizan Yahya - MAKNA Volunteer Leader Breast Cancer Survivor Tel: 017 462 9307

3. Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Cik Habiba - MAKNA Headquarters MAKNA Facilitator Tel: 019 328 4544

6. Banting, Selangor Mr.Jacob PC Mathews - MAKNA Volunteer Leader-Excellent Cancer of Soft Tissue Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Tel: 013 621 7728

Why me?

What do I say and not say to someone facing cancer?

How do I cope?

How can I give back to those now facing cancer?

I don’t know what to do or how to help myself or my loved one battling cancer.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

FEEDBACK / COMMENTS

Amiza Ghazali com

mented:

Sedih x dapat join sbb dh tutup

Rawindar S Ranu commented:

Finally made it. Best feeling ever Empowered Malaysia commented:

Great support during this Jom Botak Campaign!

Wenghong Foong com

Keep it up!

Wenghong Foong commented: Wenghong Foong commented:

Thanks for sharing our album! 53

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

Well organised event! Good job to all volunteers!

mented:

FEEDBACK / COMMENTS Run & Explore shared their photo album:

Well organised event! Good job to all volunteers!

Mohd Firdaus Official Fan Page commented:

r Yeah #nikeplus beginning is harde its take longer #makna Perbadanan Putrajaya shared their photo Mohd Firdaus Official Fan Page commented:

Teamwork make a dreamwork #makna #15km #herbalifenutrition #teamfat2fit #fitmalaysia #shahalam â€” with Abdul Aziz.

album:

Awesome event with great people!

www.makna.org.my

FEEDBACK / COMMENTS

Lina Onggok commented:

...terima kasih kepada MAKNA kerana menjemput saya dan suami saya ke Kuala Lumpur. ... saya seorang pesakit kanser yang berusia 53 tahun, impian saya zaman kanak-kanak ditunaikan oleh MAKNA.

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

FEEDBACK / COMMENTS

zulazreen POSTED:

aznilnawawihm POSTED:

Time to RUN #MAKN

2.1k likes

TQ I dedicate this #run for u Ma! event. #MAKNA for organizing this er 7yrs Lost my mom thru breast canc e. To ago. The least I could contribut STAY all cancer patients/survivors STRONG and BE POSITIVE!

Done! 10k for #MAKNA #mfnr2014 26 likes

17 likes

65 likes

lina1975a POSTED:

oleenaziz POSTED:

reenieho93 POSTED:

My hunny Nat going bald and lookin g fab for charity! Thanks to all who donated to see her go bald! #makna

Tu dia stok biskut ker ing dari #goodiebag #MAKN A Founderâ€™s #nightrun ari tu. #5K #funrun #SiangSiang #cream cracker

m POSTED: hasrul_nizam na the lads ! #mak Last night with ersrun #maknafound 87 likes

15 likes

aznilnawawihm POSTED:

Not bad for a 52 year old man to finish his 10KM run!! #MAKNA

iktiaruddin POSTED:

For a good cause. 10km checked! #MAKNA #marathon #MFNR2014 #NationalCancerCouncil #nightrun 20 likes

ajiqqqq POSTED:

The more the merrier! #MAKNA

1,989 likes

87 likes

www.makna.org.my

FEEDBACK / COMMENTS

chikyat1 POSTED:

Medal cute sgt! #nightrun #makna #2014 #putrajaya 17 likes

dayangkunuraini POSTED: Tonight. Instead of going to Running Man, Iâ€™m going running for my mum. #staystrong #MAKNA #NightRun 9 likes

yingyu_0913 POSTED:

Is a good start of November! #tb #yesterday #makna #night #run 183 likes

1wonsam3l POSTED:

#MAKNA night run... Good job samel... 52:21 10km... Tahniah #tokgajah .. I run for you 65 likes

dayangkunuraini POSTED:

Another one done - MAKNA Founders Night Run 2014 #mfnr2014 #MAKNA #staystrong 15 likes

NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 }

9 likes

ED: enadido POST lets go!! ers night run.. makna found #makna 78 likes

shukrinadzam POSTED:

chikyat1 POSTED:

Finally!! 5Km!.alhamdullilah! #Makna #2014 #putrajaya #colleague #event #nightrun 24 likes

shukrinadzam POSTED:

5KM je...Here We Go!!! #MAKNA #NightRun

Our Certs, Medals and Goodie Bags!!!...walaupon 5KM, We Did It!!! #MAKNA #NightRun #Berjaya #Alhamdulillah #MoreRunsToCome 16 likes

INTERESTING STUFF

1. Lowers Cholesterol Level

The antioxidant properties in garlic help scavenge harmful free radicals, which can contribute to damage caused by LDL (â€œbad cholesterolâ€?) in the blood.

2. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Various chemical compounds present in garlic also are believed to aid in reducing inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis.

3. Reduces Weight

Many researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory property in garlic helps regulate the formation of fat cells in the body, one of the primary factors in obesity.

4. Inhibits Cancer

The presence of allyl sulfur in garlic can slow down the progress of cancerous cell growth. Daily intake of garlic is important for those who have a family history of cancer to lower their risk of many types of cancer.

5. Prevents Hypertension

Studies have shown that garlic also reduces high blood pressure. Garlic acts as a vasodilator which helps to widen the blood vessels, making blood flow smoother.

6. Combat Allergies Raw garlic juice is a good option for rapid relief from itching due to rashes, bug bites or any other kind of allergy.

8. Lowers Sugar Level

Garlic is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the secretion of insulin in diabetics.

9. Cures Toothache

The antibacterial, analgesic and anesthetizing properties in garlic can help cure a toothache. Simply put some garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and surrounding gum for instant relief.

7. Treats Cough Garlic is a surprisingly good source of vitamins C, B6 and the minerals selenium and manganese â€“ all of which strengthen the immune system. It also promotes expectoration with coughs, making it irreplaceable for those with chronic bronchitis.

10. Aids Digestion Garlic helps promote, relax and tone the digestive system. It can prevent blockage of gastric pancreatic and intestinal juices that are responsible for digesting nutrients.

Source: www.Top10HomeRemedies.com

www.makna.org.my

INTERESTING STUFF

Helps prevent cancer

Contains a powerful antioxidant and anti-carcinogen that hinders the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

2. Curbs overeating

A cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn - with only half the calories!

A cup of broccoli has a large amount of beta-carotene, zinc and selenium, which strengthen immune defense.

A cup of broccoli has 94 mcg of folic asid-a B-vitamin essential for proper fetus cellular division.

6. Fights heart disease

Fights Diabetes

Because of the high fiber and low sugar content, insulin can be kept to a minimum.

The carotenoid lutein, B6 and folate may prevent the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

7. Promotes healthy bones Contains more calcium than most dairy and Vitamin K, which promotes bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.

Regulate blood pressure

The potassium, magnesium and calcium content help regulate blood pressure.

9. Prevents colds

Vitamin C-an antioxidant and anti-flammatory helps relieve cold symptoms.

10. Makes for manly men

Reduce levels of the female hormone estrogen, therby increasing testosterone. NEOPLASIA { ISSUE 02/2014 01/2014 }

Source: Wikipedia

3. Boost Immune Health

4. Fights birth defects

59 55

What is? Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family, whose large flowering head is used as a vegetable. The word broccoli comes from the Italian plural of broccolo, which means “the flowering crest of a cabbage”, and is the diminutive form of brocco, meaning “small nail” or “sprout”.

Source: healthdiaries.com

INTERESTING STUFF

NUTMEG

Stimulates the brain, pain reliever, sleep aid, relieves indigestion

CINNAMON

Lowers cholesterol, reduces tryglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes

TURMERIC

Fights cancer and alzheimers, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial

a day can keep A couple of sprinkles the doctor away.

CUMIN

Fights breast cancer, immune booster, improves brain function

CAYENNE PEPPER

Natural pain reliever, immune booster, clears congestion, helps weight loss

GINGER

Relieves nausea and motion sickness, immune booster, colorectal cancer fighter

Source: www.msohailirshad.blospot.com

www.makna.org.my

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 â€œwill never go out of fashion.â€?