Cancer awareness lacking among youths

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Awareness of early cancer screening is still lacking among Malaysian youths, with National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NSCM) honorary advisor, Datuk Zuraidah Atan, saying they “are more willing to run away from the illness rather than learn and be more aware of it”.

“That’s why educational campaigns and programmes on cancer are important to educate them as well as make them understand the importance of cancer screening and managing it so they are more prepared,” she said at a press conference after the launch of the Relay for Life fundraising event today.

Choo Mei Sze, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer when she was 27 but thankfully caught it early, added: “Everyone in their 20s and 30s will not think of cancer because we are busy having fun and chasing careers; trying to live life. Health is the last thing on our minds.

 “We only realise the impact of the illness once we become the patient and that cancer does not discriminate. You can get cancer at any age.”

Zuraidah said social media is a good tool for spreading information on cancer and how to prevent it, while patients can utilise it for sharing their experience in dealing with the disease.

NSCM’s Relay for Life Kuala Lumpur (RFL KL) is one of Malaysia’s largest cancer charity events celebrating survivors and helping to raise awareness on cancer through educational booths and services.

For information on cancer screening, call the NCSM helpline at 1800-88-1000.

-- BERNAMA