KUCHING: Sarawak, like anywhere else, must be constantly on the campaign for better cancer facilities, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said this included inpatient and outpatient treatments, carers, and all supporting agencies.
“I just want to reassure cancer patients that you are not alone. Together, we shall have many tomorrows. Stay safe, stay strong,” he said during the virtual launch of ‘Many Tomorrows’ – a new music video by sape artiste Alena Murang for World Cancer Day – on Zoom and Facebook live on Thursday (Feb 3).
The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister congratulated Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness (Scan) and Alena for producing ‘Many Tomorrows’.
Meanwhile, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) chief executive officer Dr Cary Adams in his message also commended ‘Many Tomorrows’.
“I am sure it will be a great success and we will celebrate it by sharing it with the world on World Cancer Day.”
He said they had selected the theme ‘Close the Care Gap’ for World Cancer Day to highlight the inequities existing around the world in terms of cancer care.
“Some medicines are available in some countries but not in others and knowledge is also not shared equally – not everyone is aware of the risk factors for cancer.”
Scan president Sew Boon Lui believed this new song would bring unity, hope, and joy to the worldwide cancer community aside from giving Scan a chance to engage the media and the government in efforts towards cancer advocacy.
“We at SCAN are a proud member of UICC. We are truly grateful to have full support from UICC in providing us a grant to help us get a head start in this song project,” she said, thanking all those involved in the production of ‘Many Tomorrows’.
“I wish all of us a healthy year 2022 and a more united effort in closing the care gap for many more tomorrows.”
The session ended with a screening of of ‘Many Tomorrows’ and a question-and-answer session with Alena.
Following the release of ‘Many Tomorrows’, merchandise such as T-shirts and tote bags are available for pre-order at Tandang Store (www.tandangstore.com) as a joint effort by Alena and Scan to raise awareness, with all sale proceeds to go to Scan.
