The 2011 Colon Cancer Screening Community Project took place in three low-income communities in the Selayang and Gombak areas. PPR Intan Baiduri, PPR Taman Wahyu and PPR Taman Prima Selayang with a population of 20,000 provided the desired demography for a higher participation in this program.
The aim was to create awareness on colon cancer among the participants with a takeaway that early detection is key to tackling colon cancer.
EMPOWERED collaborated with the community leaders to implement this project in three phases:

Pre-Selection

Residents aged 50 years and above and those with a family history of colon cancer were invited to register for the screening program. Registration was held at the respective flats. Information on the date and venue of the screening programme workshop was relayed to participants and their personal data and medical history were recorded.

Workshop

The workshop was held at PPR Taman Wahyu Community Hall on 20 November 2011. The workshop focussed on education and the importance of healthy living, eating well and colon cancer screening. Volunteer instructors taught participants on how to use the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit.

Results and Counselling

The used FIT kits are collected and sent for processing. Residents who have abnormal test results went for colonoscopy at appointed screening hospitals. Counselors were assigned to these residents to provide emotional support. For those diagnosed with cancer, counselors are assigned to follow-up with the residents to discuss options for further treatment. All these additional costs are borne by Empowered.