'Outshine' motivates cancer patients towards renewed hope

Dr Rozilawati Ahmad (left)

From Nurrul Huda Ahmad Lutfi

GUANGZHOU, March 11 (Bernama) -- A book titled ‘Outshine’ which tells the stories of 14 cancer survivors has been a source of strength to cancer survivors Malaysia to find renewed hope in fighting the disease and lead normal lives like other people.

‘Outshine’ project manager Dr Rozilawati Ahmad said the book was expected to be published in May and is the outcome of a photography exhibition on cancer, titled ‘Outshine’ which was held for one month  from Jan 15 at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

“The photographs which were taken by a former photographer of the  European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) in Malaysia, Ahmad Yusni Mohammad Said for the exhibition, will be compiled into a book as an intervention tool for the psycho-education of cancer patients.

“The exhibition is jointly organised by the Cancer Wellgroup (CanWell) Group, in the Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Ahmad Yusni, supported by Cancer Care (a non-governmental organisation,” she told Bernama after attending the ‘Malaysia-China International Cancer Symposium’ here.

The symposium was jointly organised by the St Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou, and the Malaysia-Chinese Medical Association. Dr Rozilawati was one of the panelists at the symposium who shared her experiences with the Outshine project.

The symposium which was held on Thursday and Friday, was attended by professional health practitioners including doctors from Malaysia.

Dr Rozilawati who is also senior lecturer at the Faculty of Health Science in UKM, said cancer survivors were people from all types of educational and socio-economic backgrounds who wanted to share their stories with other patients.

“This book tells the real story of patients who shared their strengths and inspirations,” she said.

Part of the Canwell group herself, Dr Rozilawati said the book can be obtained at Selangor Library or through CanWell at the Instagram account, ‘canwellukm’ or by contacting her at email “ rozie.ahmad@ukm.edu.my”.

-- BERNAMA