KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 150 cancer survivors, likened to ‘warriors’ battling the disease, were celebrated yesterday in conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Month, which is observed every June.
Persatuan Pengurusan Kanser Malaysia (Cancer Care) president Amin Ali Sidik said the programme not only appreciated the spirit and strength of cancer survivors but also educated them about disease control, emphasising the importance of community support in the cancer battle.
“This programme is to honour their strength and spirit, and to inspire the community to show compassion, love and fight alongside them against cancer,” he told reporters at the auditorium of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong, here yesterday.
He added that his association was collaborating with the Social Security Organisation (Socso), the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to ease the burden on cancer patients, especially those from the B40 group.
Moreover, to help cancer patients continue their lives after undergoing treatment, Amin Ali said that they were also working with Persatuan Usahawan Wawasan Wanita Malaysia and the Persatuan Pemasaran dan Publisiti Niaga Malaysia to assist cancer survivors in generating income through business opportunities.
“I hope this collaboration will have a positive and significant impact on the lives of cancer patients, ensuring they not only receive the necessary treatment but also financial support and economic opportunities to help them continue living better lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Norbinah Hamid, 50, who has breast cancer, said today’s programme was very meaningful for her as she gained more knowledge and made new acquaintances.
“I am very happy to meet my fellow cancer friends whom we rarely meet. It feels very healing when we are together; we understand each other and it helps to relieve stress,” said Norbinah, who has been battling cancer since 2017.
Sharing a similar view, housewife Maimunah Mohd Ismail, 64, who has had breast cancer since 2014, said the programme inspired cancer patients and she was glad there were parties who understood and supported people like them. – BERNAMA
