KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital launched its World Cancer Day Campaign on February 8 at Mydin Hypermarket, Meru Raya, Ipoh. In collaboration with the Malaysian Gynaecological Cancer Society (MGCS), the campaign was officially co-launched by Dato’ Dr Hajjah Nordiyanah Haji Hassan, State Health Director together with Datin Wira Dr Hajjah Siti Hawa Mohd, Director of Human Resources, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad.
The three-day campaign which started from February 7 to 9, was aimed at Perakians specifically as well as Malaysians in general. A series of informational articles published in the media served to create awareness among Malaysians.
Debunk the Myths was the theme this year, in recognition of the fact that most of the general public were unaware of the actual facts about cancer. Myths and misconceptions increase stigma and reduces chances of cancer patients seeking treatment early. This results in lost opportunities to prevent cancer and successfully treating the disease.
Cancer myths being debunked at international level are:
- We don’t need to talk about cancer.
- Cancer…there are no signs or symptoms.
- There is nothing I can do about cancer.
- I don’t have the right to cancer care.
Being a leading health care industry player, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital believes it is their responsibility to contribute to the community by organising such campaigns. Through providing the latest information and treatment options on cancer, this would change the mind set and remove stigma, thus increasing the survival rate of cancer patients through early detection and treatment.
Apart from this campaign, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital also organised another World Cancer Day campaign at their hospital on February 15.
