Cancel Cancer, Create Awareness

Published in Inkslingers
7 September 2009


Cancel Cancer, Create Awareness

PETALING JAYA: In a bid to raise cancer awareness amongst college student, a group of communications students from Taylor’s College is organizing “Cancel: Just Beat It”, a full-day event to be held in Leisure Commerce Square in mid-October.

The idea was suggested by part-time lecturer Inderjeet Singh who felt that there is a lack of awareness of cancer amongst young men and women generally.

“Cancer is non-fatal if detected early. Therefore I think that an awareness program such as Cancel is extremely helpful as it would not only educate people about cancer but early detection might actually help save lives,” says Singh.

“We also hope to stimulate more volunteers from college students as there are not enough manpower in charitable works such as these,” he adds.

According to National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), two-third of all cancer can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy lifestyle habits are such as eating a healthy balanced meal, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping active every day.

There is an 80 per cent chance of surviving cancer if it is detected early. 

The NCSM will be holding cancer screenings during the Cancel: Just Beat It event to help detect cancer at the early stage.

Some of the early warning signs of cancer are: change in bowel or bladder habits; unusual bleeding or discharge from any part of the body; an unexplained growth of lump; a sore that does not heal; changes to a skin spot, wart or mole; nagging cough for more than two weeks; unusual nose bleeds and ringing sound in ear; and indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.

The one-day event will also feature talks by cancer survivors and cancer specialists from MAKNA (National Cancer Council), as well as local celebrities to draw in the crowd.

“The talks will cover different types of cancer- from cervical to prostrate to kidney, all sorts! But it’s not all grim and scary as we will also organize fun events such as music and comedy shows to portray the lighter side of life,” says Cancel’s project manager Tashny Sukumaran.

Fundraisers throughout the month of October will also be held in order to raise awareness even before the event begins.

“These are still under wraps but there are talks for Amazing Races, bake sales as well as Yellow Day where we all turn up in college wearing yellow,” adds Sukumaran.

But it’s all for a good cause, adds vice-project manager Akil Yunus. “I think it’s important that we all learn more about cancer now because it can affect anyone and everyone, regardless of age, race or gender,” says Yunus who volunteers regularly at MAKNA’s events.