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2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening & Treatment Project Progress Report

January - July 2014
Seri Sabah Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening & Treatment Project
January – July 2014
Seri Sabah 3A & 3B Flats, Cheras
Date :
8th January 2014 to 21st July 2014
Location :
Seri Sabah 3A & 3B Flats, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Outreach :
Estimated 10,000 – 15,000 residents – 9 blocks of 17 storeys high density, low-cost flats

Project Objectives:-

  1. (1) trigger public awareness about this prevalent disease and the importance of early cancer detection;

  2. (2) bring structured colorectal cancer education and screening programs as well as personalised support into the homes of under-resourced Malaysian communities;

  3. (3) to save lives

Location Map of Phase 3a & 3b of Seri Sabah flats, Cheras

Images of Seri Sabah 3A & 3B flats, Cheras

The groundwork for Seri Sabah’s colorectal cancer awareness, screening and treatment project has begun.

EMPOWERED is in the midst of the initial meetings and establishing of rapport with the community leaders and members.

Images of Work in progress for project

1st meeting with community leaders of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B

The community leaders were invited for the 1st meeting with EMPOWERED to discuss plans for the Colorectal Cancer Campaign in Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B. Those who were present are the committee members of Persatuan Penduduk Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A, Persatuan Penduduk Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B and Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Semua Kaum Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & B. Also present was a representative from our main sponsor of this project, Yayasan Sime Darby and some of our community project volunteers.

Pre-starters of the meeting included light snacks served, courtesy of EMPOWERED and prepared by the local residents alongside happy chatters from all present.

The matters discussed during this meeting included confirmation of dates, times, venues from every activity for this campaign; confirmation of logistical details and communication materials as well as recruitment for community volunteers.

This fruitful meeting ended with its objectives achieved through the agenda that was discussed. The community leaders were also informed that they would be given a schedule with necessary information for all the community activities leading to the Colorectal Cancer Awareness & Screening Days.

Images of 1st meeting with community leaders of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B

Briefing for community volunteers at Dewan Ibu Tunggal, Blok 64, Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B, Cheras

EMPOWERED carried out a briefing and training session for the community volunteers for the upcoming 1st door knock exercise which was planned for 29th Feb 2014. This briefing session was attended by around 36 community volunteers, community leaders as well as the new DBKL officer of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B, Cheras. It was carried out from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 18th February 2014 at Dewan Ibu Tunggal, Blok 64 of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B, Cheras.

The briefing started with registration and giving out of EMPOWERED’s colorectal cancer campaign t-shirts to the community volunteers.

Mr. Fung Teck Hong, project head of EMPOWERED was the presenter for the training session. It started off with the introduction of EMPOWERED and how our colorectal cancer campaigns are methodically usually carried out. This objective of this training is to ensure that the community volunteers would provide the necessary support to EMPOWERED’s student volunteers from the International Medical University. Mr. Fung reiterated that the close involvement of the community leaders is integral to the success of this mass program.

The training session ended with a dialogue between the community volunteers and EMPOWERED’s representatives. Light snack was prepared by leaders of Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Semua Kaum Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B, Cheras.

Images of Briefing for community volunteers at Dewan Ibu Tunggal, Blok 64, Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B, Cheras

1st training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

The first training workshop conducted for International Medical University (IMU) student volunteers was carried out on the 19th February 2014 at Lecture Hall 3.05 LTI at the IMU campus in Bukit Jalil. Registration of student volunteers started around 5.45 pm and the training proper started at 6.30 p.m. There were 61 student volunteers, 2 student leaders and a student coordinator who were present for the training workshop. All students were given the training materials upon registration.

Mr. Fung Teck Hong, the project head of EMPOWERED was the presenter for the training workshop. It started off with the introduction of EMPOWERED and how our colorectal cancer campaigns are methodically carried out as most of the student volunteers are volunteering in EMPOWERED for the first time.

This goal of this training session was to train the student volunteers on the objectives and processes of EMPOWERED’s door knock activity. The student volunteers were divided into 9 teams according to the door-knock plan for the role-playing exercise. Role-play is vital as the practice helps the students familiarize with the door knocking process, gain confidence and become fluent with the script in Bahasa Malaysia. This role-play kick started with a demonstration by previous student volunteers with the assistance of the representative from Yayasan Sime Darby.

After almost an hour of taking turns to practice for the role-playing session, the students were given reminders for the door-knock day on the 26th February 2014. The training workshop ended around 9 p.m.

Images of 1st training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

1st Door Knock Exercise at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah

The first door knock exercise was carried out on the 26th February 2014 in Seri Sabah, Cheras. The student volunteers from the International Medical University arrived in 2 buses at 7 p.m. There were 24 student volunteers assigned for Seri Sabah 3A and 30 student volunteers for Seri Sabah 3B. The student volunteers were ushered to their respective areas and given short briefing and reminders of their responsibilities. They were also distributed volunteer name tags as well as door knock spreadsheets which would be used to collect information from the residents during this door knock exercise. For Seri Sabah 3A which consist of 4 residential blocks, there were 12 teams of student volunteers assigned for this door knock. Each of this team was accompanied by a community volunteer dressed with EMPOWERED’s colorectal cancer campaign t-shirts. These teams were monitored by 2 pairs of student volunteers or EMPOWERED staff to ensure that the exercise was going according to plan.

Seri Sabah 3B has 5 residential blocks. 15 teams of student volunteers were assigned for this door knock exercise, accompanied by 1 to 2 community volunteers in EMPOWERED’s colorectal cancer campaign t-shirts. The monitoring process was performed by 3 pairs of student volunteers or EMPOWERED staff & a representative of Yayasan Sime Darby.

The 27 teams of students managed to knock on all doors (1836 units). 597 doors did not open as the residents were not around. Among the 1239 doors that opened, 823 units have residents who are above 50 years of age and qualified to join for this colorectal cancer campaign. Residents from 779 units showed interest and submitted their names. There were 1133 names of above 50 residents obtained.

It was almost 11 p.m. when all the teams submitted their data collected door knock spreadsheets and leftover materials to the student leaders in charge. Despite this exercise being a challenging task, the students managed to help EMPOWERED achieve the objectives of this exercise. The community volunteers were also very keen to help and their assistance managed to ensure that this exercise was performed in a safe, effective and efficient manner.

Images of 1st Door Knock Exercise at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah

2nd meeting with community leaders of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B

The community leaders and community volunteers were invited for the 2nd meeting with EMPOWERED to discuss further plans for the Colorectal Cancer Campaign in Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B. The meeting gathered around 50 committee members and community volunteers from Persatuan Penduduk Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A, Persatuan Penduduk Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B and Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Semua Kaum Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah.

The meeting started around 9 p.m. Matters of discussion include: results from the 1st door knock exercise that recently took place on the 26th of February, upcoming door knock exercises and plans, programs and schedules as well as logistic details for Awareness & Screening Days, and plans for collection of FIT kits from residents & the release of results of whether blood was detected in the stool samples that were collected.

This meeting was very successful with the cooperation from those who attended it and ended with light refreshments served, courtesy of EMPOWERED and prepared by the community residents. The end of this evening was filled with socialisation among community members and EMPOWERED staff members.

Images of 2nd meeting with community leaders of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B

2nd training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

EMPOWERED carried out the second training for International Medical University (IMU) student volunteers on the 13th March 2014. A total number of 82 students gathered at the Lecture Hall 3.04, IMU campus in Bukit Jalil. This 2nd training was attended by Yayasan Sime Darby’s representative as well. After registration and distribution of general plenary notes, our project coordinator, Mr. Fung Teck Hong gave a brief run through of the training’s agenda as well as a general introduction to EMPOWERED and the overview of the colorectal cancer project in Seri Sabah.

Dr. Christina Ng gave a short lecture on colorectal cancer for the benefit of the volunteers to further understand about this type of cancer. Mr. Fung Teck Hong, project coordinator of EMPOWERED was the presenter for the brief run through on door knocking before the volunteers were divided into groups based on their duties for the Screening Day (Registrars & FIT Kit instructors) or for new volunteers to be trained specifically for the 2nd door knock.

This training is to train new student volunteers on EMPOWERED’s 2nd door knock activity, its objectives and processes as well as to train those who were involved in the 1st door knock activity and as a pre-requisite chosen to be registrars and FIT Kit instructors.

During the break out group, 40 student volunteers who will be registrars on the Colorectal Cancer Screening Day on the 20th April stayed back in the lecture hall. Dr. Christina Ng presented a training for these volunteers to prepare them for to be registrars for the Screening Day. This training serves as the 1st part of a 2-part training which will resume on the 16th April 2014.

14 student volunteers proceeded to room 1.09 with Mr. Fung Teck Hong to be trained as Faecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT) Kit instructors for the Screening Day. They were distributed sample FIT kits and play dough to learn how to use these kits in order for them to be teaching the residents on how to collect their stool samples during the screening day.

Student volunteers who are involved in the Screening Day as ‘Registrars’ and ‘FIT Kit Instructors’ should have attended the 1st training and volunteered at the 1st door knock activity prior to this 2nd training.

The remaining of the students who are new to this project proceeded to Room 1.08 for a door knock briefing with Vicky Ang and later formed groups for role-playing under the supervision of assisting student leaders.

The students were respectively given reminders on the door-knock or next training at the end of this training and signed out at the different training areas. The training ended around 9.30 p.m.

Images of 2nd training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

2nd Door Knock Exercise at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah

EMPOWERED carried out the second door knock exercise at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B on 19th March 2014. The student volunteers arrived promptly at 6.45 p.m. and were given out materials for the door knock which are the door knock spreadsheets which were previously used for the 1st door knock, flyers for the colorectal cancer campaign as well as door knock scripts.

There were 29 student volunteers assigned for Seri Sabah 3A, accompanied by a community volunteer and 30 student volunteers assigned for Seri Sabah 3B, accompanied by 2 community volunteers. These student volunteers are divided into teams of 2 – 3 students and their community volunteer(s). Each team is assigned to knock on the doors that previously did not open during the 1st door knock with a coverage area of 5 – 6 floors per team. The community volunteers were clad in EMPOWERED’s colorectal cancer campaign shirts whereas all student volunteers wore EMPOWERED volunteer name tags. The monitoring process was performed by 7 student leaders and EMPOWERED staff to ensure that the student volunteers were performing as they were trained.

The 27 teams of students were tasked to knock on 597 doors during this door knock as these doors previously did not open during the 1st door knock. This door knock resulted to 123 doors that were knocked on which opened and provided 165 names of residents above 50 years and who are qualified to join for this colorectal cancer campaign. The teams submitted their data collected through the door knock spreadsheets that were filled up to the student leaders in charge. The door knock exercise ended at 10 p.m.

These door knock activities have proved fruitful with overwhelming responses from the community and our volunteers. Through this publicity stint, 1517 units have been informed of EMPOWERED’s colorectal cancer campaign that is happening in Seri Sabah as well as advocated on the fast facts on colorectal cancer. All units (1836 units) including doors that did not open have received 2 flyers each from the 1st and 2nd door knock.

In total for both 1st and 2nd door knocks, a number of 1298 potential residents qualify to join this colorectal cancer campaign and have submitted their names which is an indication of their interest to join this campaign. There are also 75 residents who did not give their names but as they are above 50 years of age, they are also qualified to join this campaign.

Images of 2nd Door Knock Exercise at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah

3rd training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

7th April 2014

EMPOWERED carried out our 3rd training for International Medical University (IMU) student volunteers on the 7th March 2014 at a classroom on the 4th floor of IMU’s campus in Bukit Jalil. Registration of student volunteers started around 6 pm and the training proper started at 6.30 p.m. There were 81 student volunteers, 8 student leaders and a student coordinator who were present for the training. As how all trainings are carried out, handouts were given upon registration of the students.

Mr. Fung Teck Hong, project manager of EMPOWERED gave the basic introduction of EMPOWERED as well as EMPOWERED’s mission and previous colorectal cancer awareness & screening workshops for the benefit of the student volunteers volunteering for the first time.

Ms. Goh Mei Yi, project officer of EMPOWERED presented to the student volunteers on the overview of the Awareness Day. She also showed the overview map of the Awareness Day especially areas where the events will take place, for example, the hall and the registration area.

The volunteers were then introduced to their group leaders. The volunteers are divided into different groups with different responsibilities. These subgroups are: Registrars, Block Ushers, Ushers, Traffic Ushers, Queue Ushers, Lucky Draw Volunteers, Goodie Bag Volunteers & Hall Ushers.

The areas where different groups of volunteers were located at were introduced as well as the different responsibilities for each role. They were also introduced on the different materials and project collaterals that they will be working with to further familiarize themselves.

The training ended with the dissemination of contact information for different student leaders and the students were reminded of important information on the Awareness Day.

Images of 3rd training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

Preparatory Activities & Mock Up for Awareness Day

12th April 2014

On the morning of 12th April 2014, a big group of 33 student and community volunteers & 5 EMPOWERED staff gathered with their strength and positive spirits to transport and pack more than 500 goodie bags which is to be distributed for the expected 500 participants from Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B who will be joining EMPOWERED for the 2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day Workshop.

The day started with the transporting of a 3 tonne lorry full of boxes of sponsored goodie bag items from EMPOWERED’s office in Damansara Intan to the Dewan Ibu Tunggal at Block 64 of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B. The student volunteers formed human chains to pass along boxes after boxes of items to equally divide the share for this heavy work task. This method of human chain and boxes passing continued upon delivery of the boxes at Dewan Ibu Tunggal.

The boxes were then systematically arranged inside the dewan to ensure that the packing process will go smoothly. This included heavier items to be packed below. A briefing on packing was carried out prior to the actual packing of the items. Clear instructions and labels of the contents of the boxes were created prior to this packing day to help volunteers understand the packing process easily.

After the goodie bags were packed, student volunteers left but student leaders and EMPOWERED’s staff stayed back for the dry run of the Awareness Day Workshop. This is to ensure that the events management company and staff members know exactly what is happening and what to everyone’s roles and responsibilities are. It was also an opportunity to check on the set up of furniture and materials for Awareness Day as well as to play the sounds and visuals for the entire program to ensure that everything is set for the Launch Event and Awareness Day Workshop the following morning.

Images of Preparatory Activities & Mock Up for Awareness Day

4th training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

16th April 2014

The 4th student training for International Medical University (IMU) student volunteers was carried out on the 16th April 2014. A total number of 108 students gathered at the Lecture Hall 3.04, IMU campus in Bukit Jalil. This training was assisted by 3 student leaders. After registration and distribution of general plenary notes, our project manager, Mr. Fung Teck Hong gave a very brief run through of the training’s agenda as well as a general introduction to EMPOWERED and the overview of the colorectal cancer project in Seri Sabah.

The registrars for the screening day were trained by Dr. Christina and stayed back in the lecture hall. They went through the 8 steps for the registration process required for the residents to be registered during the screening day. There were also role-playing sessions to ensure that the questions asked for the different steps were accurate as well as the presentation of these questions. As the registrars play very significant roles to ensure that the Screening Day Workshop is a success, there were many specifications that the students had to adhere to which include the way they structure the questions, their intonation and the use of certain key words. This break out group ended past 9.45 pm.

Mr. Fung was the facilitator for the FIT Kit instructors. After a brief recap of the roles and responsibilities of the FIT Kit instructors as well as updates on minor changes, there was an example role-playing session for one of the student volunteers. The group was later split into 2 groups(Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B) with 7 FIT Kit instructors on each side. The subgroups continued to role-play to ensure that all FIT Kit instructors are familiar with the information that should be delivered to the residents on the day. This is to ensure that all residents will know how to use the FIT Kits that they are given to ensure a good return-rate during when the FIT Kits will be returned as well as to make sure that the sample of stool given is valid and not spoiled. The group dispersed at approximately 9.30 p.m.

Concurrently, Ms. Goh Mei Yi was at classroom 1.09 with the group of students who will be ushers and door knockers during the Screening Day. The roles and responsibilities of the 2 different roles we briefed before the group dispersed at 9 p.m.

Images of 4th training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

Preparatory Activities for Screening Day

19th April 2014

A group of 25 student volunteers from IMU as well as Yayasan Sime Darby’s scholars gathered at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B to unload 600 bags of 5kg rice. 400 bags were unloaded at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B followed by another 200 bags at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A.

Human chain that started from the delivery truck trailed its way to the respective community halls to be used for the following day’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Workshop. These rice bags will be given to every successfully registered participant to further attract participation from the community.

The rice bags were carefully arranged in neat stacks and their numbers recounted to make sure that the right amount was delivered. After an hour or so of hard work and cooperation from the hardworking volunteers, the rice bags were ready to be distributed for the coming day’s workshop.

Images of 4th training workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

EMPOWERED’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Day 2014

20th May 2014

EMPOWERED’S 2014 Colorectal Cancer Screening Workshop was conducted respectively at Dewan Blok 54 for Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & Dewan Blok 66 for Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B.

Each screening area was supervised by EMPOWERED’s staff members and the screening process was run with the help of IMU student volunteers who were divided into different subgroups. Dewan 54 of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A was supported by 18 registrars, 7 FIT kit instructors, 18 ushers and 8 door knockers. At the other side, Dewan 66 of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3B was supported by 20 registrars, 7 FIT kit instructors, 18 ushers and 9 door knockers.

The screening workshop started promptly at 11 a.m. There were already long lines of enthusiastic and qualified participants waiting outside the hall. Participants can only join this screening workshop if they are 50 years and above or have direct family members with history of colorectal cancer, residents of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A or 3B and Malaysian citizens.

Ushers were on standby outside and at the entrance of the hall to ensure that only qualified participants are registered. Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and Cantonese registrars and FIT kit instructors ensured that the participants could understand the questions and instructions clearly.

Each participant would initially meet with a registrar for a one to one session to give information about themselves, their lifestyle and habits as well as their health history. Upon successful registration, participants were given a FIT kit with their names labeled on the the kit and a FIT kit instructional manual. They were then ushered to wait for their turns to be taught how to use these FIT kits at the FIT kit instructional area. Each FIT kit instructor would explain on what colorectal cancer is, the risk factors of colorectal cancer, methods of detection and how to use the FIT kits. They were also given instruction on when to return their stool samples back to EMPOWERED for subsequent tests at the laboratory. A FIT kit instructor would explain to up to 4 participants per session.

The FIT kit in a sealed and small bag would then be packed in a A4-size plastic bag together with the FIT kit instructional manual and details on FIT kit collection. An usher would then assist the participant to redeem their complimentary 5 kg rice bag and check out at the exiting area.

This screening workshop was participated by 520 residents. Among these residents, 512 were given FIT kits and successfully registered to be part of the program. The workshop ended at 4 p.m. at Dewan 54 and 6 p.m. at Dewan 66 due to overwhelming response from the residents.

FIT Kit Collection Day

22nd April 2014

Community volunteers and EMPOWERED’s representative were stationed at the respective community halls from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. on 22nd April 2014 to collect FIT kits with stool samples of the registered participants from the Colorectal Cancer Screening Workshop which was held 2 days prior to that.

During the workshop, successfully registered participants were given FIT Kits and instructed how to collect a sample to be tested in laboratories to detect for blood in stool. The returned kits were cross checked with the registration list from the screening workshop.

468 kits were returned and sent to Sunway Medical Centre for testing. The return rate for FIT Kits has risen from 88% from past year’s project to 92% this year. EMPOWERED is grateful for the cooperation of the community volunteers to help ensure this successful outcome through their dedication and dynamic contribution in the preparation and execution of the community activities for this community project.

Images of FIT Kit Collection Day

Training for Nurses at Klinik Kesihatan Cheras for Breaking ‘Bad News’ Day

9th May 2014

Mr. Fung Teck Hong, project manager of EMPOWERED carried out a training for a group of nurses from Klinik Kesihatan Cheras who will be helping to break the news of positive detection of blood in stool to the residents of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B on 10th May 2014 at their homes. Instructions and advice were given on how to break this news to the residents in a gentle, tactful and composed manner without compromising details on subsequent hospital visits that have been pre-arranged for them by EMPOWERED.

The nurses were advised to introduce themselves being volunteers from EMPOWERED upon arrival at the residents’ homes. They should also mention that this is to deliver a sealed envelope containing the unknown results for the sample FIT kits that were distributed during the screening workshop and collected during the FIT kit collection day.

Upon entering the residents’ homes, the nurses should ensure that the environment is conducive for the news to be broken to the residents. This include ensuring that those present are immediate family members and if there are children, they will be attended to while the news is broken to the subject (resident). The subjects should also be able to clearly understand the news that is being broken to them and will be spoken to in their own language or dialect. Distractions like radio or television playing in the background should be tuned down or turned off.

When the residents are comfortable and rapport has been established, they will be shown a seal envelope which the nurses will request for the subjects to allow them to open on their behalf. This sealed envelope contains documents such as the positive results from Sunway Medical Centre (laboratory where the FIT kits were tested), a referral letter to Hospital Selayang from Klinik Kesihatan Cheras and a detailed instruction of the pre-arranged visit to Hospital Selayang.

The nurses were encouraged to have a few rounds of role-playing to ensure that they would familiarize themselves with the keywords to use and what to say as well as what not to say.

The hour long training was fruitful and the nurses were prepared for the breaking ‘bad news’ day the following day.

Images of Training for Nurses at Klinik Kesihatan Cheras for Breaking ‘Bad News’ Day

Breaking ‘Bad News’ Day

10th May 2014

EMPOWERED staff members and 9 trained nurses from Klinik Kesihatan Cheras formed 5 teams to break the news of positive detection of blood in stool to the residents of Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B on 10th May 2014 at their homes. Appointments to visit them at their homes were made prior to this visit.

Among these teams, there were 3 Malay speaking teams, 1 Cantonese/ Mandarin speaking team and a Tamil speaking team. This is to ensure that the residents would fully understand that results that they were given and informed of EMPOWERED’s assurance to include them in the Patient Support Program that covers hospital fees and transportation fees.

These fees are completely borne by the society. This also includes logistic arrangements for transportation and appointments for hospital visits, tests and treatments should the subjects be diagnosed with cancer.

Prior to the actual breaking of ‘bad’ news, all staff members and nurses were trained to deliver the news in a tactful, composed and comforting manner on top of informing the residents that EMPOWERED will journey with them throughout whatever hospital visits, consultations and tests that they may have to go through.

The residents with blood in stool were also given important details of the next hospital visit which has been pre-arranged by EMPOWERED for them, which includes a referral to Hospital Selayang by Klinik Kesihatan Cheras. Both institutions are fellow collaborators with EMPOWERED for this community project. A referral by a local government clinic is usually required prior to any consultation or treatment at a government hospital’s specialist clinic.

The important task for this appointment is to comfort any subjects who may be traumatized with the news and answer questions that they may have regarding the Patient Support Program. The teams were advised to convince these subjects to make themselves available for their first hospital visits to Hospital Selayang. To cater for the total number of 39 subjects who have blood in their stool, the first hospital visit is split into 2 different dates which are 15th and 22nd May 2014.

Images of Breaking ‘Bad News’ Day

Training for Patient Support Program workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

12th May 2014

18 International Medical University (IMU) student volunteers were trained was on the 12th May 2014 for the Patient Support Program of EMPOWERED’s 2014 Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Screening and Treatment community project. The training was held at classroom 1.09 at the IMU campus in Bukit Jalil.

Our project manager, Mr. Fung Teck Hong was in charge of the training which is aimed to prepare the students to be proper aids for the residents who will be having their follow up consultation at the hospital. The residents have been informed that they are confirmed having blood in their stool and are scheduled to receive consultation and undergo colonoscopy to further investigate on the reason behind them having blood in their stool.

A step-by-step material was used for this training. This material included instructions on what to do at different times of the hospital visit. Students were also reminded of things they should check with the patient that they are supporting, things to say and not to say, explanation that they need to provide for the registration process, consultation and when the residents receive their medication to prepare their bowels for colonoscopy.

The brief training ended at 8.45 p.m. after reminders were given to the students.

Images of Training for Patient Support Program workshop for International Medical University student volunteers

Patient Support Program

15th May 2014 – Now

EMPOWERED’s Patient Support Program began with the first hospital visits arranged for the 40 subjects with positive results from the FIT kit test (blood in stools). However, only a total of 36 subjects agreed to attend their first hospital visits. Four subjects have declined due to personal reasons respectively.

The 36 subjects were brought to Hospital Selayang in 2 groups as the number was large. The hospital visit for the first group (17 subjects) was on 15th May 2014 (Thursday). As for the second group (19 subjects), they were scheduled on the 22nd May 2014 (Thursday).

Bus transport was arranged to pick up the 24 IMU student volunteers selected for the Patient Support Program from International Medical University (IMU) prior to picking up the subjects from Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B. The reason was so that the subjects were accompanied during the bus ride to Hospital Selayang. It was also an opportunity for the student volunteers to build rapport with their respectively assigned subjects. This would help to put the subjects at ease.

Upon arrival of the subjects at the hospital, the subjects were given queue numbers for registration. During registration, the hospital staffs would register every subject, by keying in their personal details. The student volunteers assigned to care for every subject helped in translations as some subjects could not speak the Malay language.

Once they have registered, they would obtain another queue number to wait for their turn into the consultation room. While waiting for their respective turns, the student volunteers asked a few basic questions to the subjects to hasten the consultation process, as requested by the doctor in charged.

Following the doctor’s consultation, every subject was given their next appointment date for colonoscopy and a prescription to obtain their medication for the bowel preparation needed for their colonoscopy visit. The student volunteer then accompanied their respective subjects to get their medication.

Once all the subjects were done, they were gathered in one area and the nurse in charged gave a briefing on the diet and the bowel preparation needed to be followed by every subject one day prior to their respective colonoscopy visits. Any queries were clarified immediately.

The subjects and student volunteers then boarded the bus to return to Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah and International Medical University respectively.

Following the first hospital visit, every subject will be given an appointment date to do colonoscopy. The first colonoscopy began on 20th May 2014 with 2 subjects. Subsequent colonoscopy visits were scheduled on every Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 20th May 2014 till 25th June 2014 and 2 subjects were scheduled in August due to the fasting month and Hari Raya in July. Throughout the period, 4 extra subjects changed their minds and declined to pursue the colonoscopy. As a result, only a total of 32 subjects went for the colonoscopy.

Transports were arranged for every colonoscopy visit. Taxis were arranged to pick up the student volunteers from IMU before picking the subjects up from Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah, to ensure that the subjects were accompanied and guided to Hospital Selayang for their colonoscopy.

When they arrived at Hospital Selayang, they would be registered and given an identification wristband. They then waited at the waiting area, before being called into the consultation room by the nurse on duty. In the room, the nurse would ask the subject a few health-related questions and measure their blood pressure. The subject would then be given a set of gown to change into. The student volunteers would assist every subject to change if needed.

The subject would be called into the colonoscopy procedure room for the colonoscopy to be conducted. Accompanying IMU student volunteer were allowed to observe the entire procedure. Upon completion of the colonoscopy, subjects would be pushed to the ward to rest and be given next appointment dates and prescription accordingly.

Once the subject was well-rested and able to be discharged, the IMU student volunteers would accompany the subject back to Seri Sabah before heading back to IMU in taxis.

EMPOWERED’s Patient Support Program continued as subjects were arranged to attend their subsequent hospital visits after their first hospital visits and the colonoscopy procedures.

After the colonoscopy, most subjects were given appointment dates for their next hospital visits to obtain their colonoscopy results. Some subjects, however, were advised to go for barium enema as their colonoscopy procedures were incomplete due to certain reasons such as pain issue. For hospital visits after the colonoscopy, subjects received reminder calls from EMPOWERED’s staff 1 to 2 days prior to their appointment dates. They were then given instructions to take taxi to go to Hospital Selayang either by themselves or with other subjects, depending on whether there were other subjects with the same appointment dates. EMPOWERED’s staff would receive subjects at Hospital Selayang and pay for the taxi fares. Subjects would be accompanied and guided throughout the process of their hospital visits. EMPOWERED’s staff attended to subjects’ emotional needs accordingly while waiting for their turns for doctor consultations.

During consultation, subjects were explained by doctors on their colonoscopy results as well as subsequent follow-ups needed. EMPOWERED’s staff helped in translation for subjects who did not understand Malay language when needed. Subjects with confirmed negative results would be informed and discharged from EMPOWERED’s Patient Support Program. All subjects understood and accepted that assistance and support from EMPOWERED were unable to be extended to them in long term. For subjects who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and required further test and/or treatment, they were ensured that EMPOWERED would continue to support them throughout the journey. At the end of every hospital visit, EMPOWERED’s staff arranged for subjects to return to Seri Sabah in taxi.

During this program, there were 4 subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer. One subject did not require any further colorectal cancer treatment after a CT scan showed normal result post removal of his malignant polyps (during colonoscopy). Another subject refused to continue his treatment/follow up at Hospital Selayang after being recommended to undergo a colorectal surgery, despite multiple attempts by EMPOWERED’s staff to persuade him to pursue the surgery treatment. In view of the subject’s unwavering decision, the subject was then told to seek for 2nd opinion as soon as possible given his risks. For the remaining 2 subjects, both of them had undergone colorectal surgery as recommended and 1 of them was being referred to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for further chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatment post-surgery. Currently, the treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur is still ongoing and is expected to last till March 2015.

Images of Patient Support Program

EMPOWERED’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day & Launch Event 2014

“EMPOWERED AND PARTNER SURVIVORS GEAR UP FOR A MORE INTENSIFIED BATTLE AGAINST COLORECTAL CANCER”
Another 15,000 under-privileged Malaysians reached.

Since 2010, EMPOWERED- The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia has made its mark in Malaysian under-resourced communities through the detailed yearly implementation of its signature Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Project. Led by its Founder and President, Dr. Christina Ng who is also a Consultant Medical Oncologist, EMPOWERED’s cancer programs are designed to center community and people right in the heart of its mission. Bona fide testimonials from EMPOWERED’s beneficiaries speak volumes of the society’s meaningful impact on under-privileged Malaysian lives. Through the detection and removal of precancerous polyps and early stage colorectal cancers, EMPOWERED’s beneficiaries are indebted to the society for saving their lives. By mid 2014, the society’s relentless efforts through its yearly Colorectal Screening and Treatment Project will reach nearly 75,000 low income Malaysians. This year, the society is directing its focus and resources into the underprivileged communities of Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. This year, EMPOWERED’s battle against Malaysia’s top cancer killer in the country is intensified by its partnership with energetic and outspoken colorectal cancer survivors who are passionate about the society’s cause. This partnership aims to intensify EMPOWERED’s advocacy for early colorectal cancer detection through effective mass screening methods.

EMPOWERED’s work has received steady and robust support from the Ministry of Health. Firm grass-root collaboration with Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Perseketuan in EMPOWERED’s 2014 Colorectal Screening and Treatment Project, will add tenacity to the patient support system which has been built into the project blueprint to meet the emotional needs of residents who will be newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. EMPOWERED’s continuing alliance with Hospital Selayang is instrumental in ensuring that its beneficiaries with occult blood picked up in their stool, can be efficiently referred for colonoscopy and subsequent cancer treatments. At the launch event of the society’s 2014 project in Cheras, the Deputy Health Minister, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Hilmi bin Haji Yahaya said, “Good work and congratulations to EMPOWERED for their commitment in organising this very beneficial program. I hope that this program will achieve its objectives and will be able to spark a paradigm shift among the target group of residents from Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B. A very important message that needs to be delivered is to prevent colorectal cancer by early detection and obtain immediate treatment if needed.”

Colorectal cancer survivors stepped up to partner with EMPOWERED at the launch of its 2014 project, adding fuel to their collective battle against the deadly disease. Tuan Haji Zainuddin was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer in 1975. As the 76 year old cancer survivor addressed the cheering Cheras crowd, he shared unreservedly about the fragility of life. “I thought it was the end of everything because I was only 40 years old then. The word ‘cancer’ was very frightening indeed”, he recalled. But cancer did not deter Tuan Haji Zainuddin from pursuing his goals and dreams. As he shared his triumphant journey through cancer, he uttered, “Between 1985 and 2014, I have been to Umrah seven times!” Tuan Haji Zainuddin attributed his strength through adversity, to the loving support he received from his family. He inspired the audience to follow through with EMPOWERED’s 2014 Colorectal Screening and Treatment Project. “Look, they even equip you with emotional support! Where can you find a program like this?”, he concluded.

Mr. Yap Kean Seng was 51 years of age when he was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. “I took the news calmly when the news was broken to me”, he shared unreticently. “Since my diagnosis nearly two and a half years ago, I have had 3 surgeries and 2 courses of chemotherapy”, he openly spoke. “My cancer history is proof to all of you that early detection through screening is so important. If you are diagnosed in late stages like me, you go through so much more physical and emotional ordeal”, he continued explicitly. When asked to give the Cheras community a take home message, Mr Yap re-affirmed the vital necessity of early cancer detection. “Get it done now! Furthermore, EMPOWERED’s program is fully paid for!”. He stressed the importance of seeking proper medical treatment for cancer and deterred the Cheras community from seeking alternative therapy.

An overwhelming response from the society’s target community in Cheras to EMPOWERED’s 2014 project has resulted. Community enrolment into the society’s 2014 project is at its highest since EMPOWERED began its advocacy work in colorectal cancer in 2010. Thrilled at the strong uptake into this year’s project, the society’s Founder and President, Dr. Christina Ng applauded the beneficiaries’ resolute efforts to make important health changes in their lives. With determination Dr. Ng stated, “EMPOWERED will continue to work in solidarity with grass-root leaders, and those in higher levels of authority to reach out to many more ill-informed and under-resourced segments of our nation.”

Dr. Ng also urged Malaysians from all walks of life to join forces with EMPOWERED to battle the country’s top cancer killer. “There is substantial evidence that colorectal cancer screening is effective in reducing colorectal cancer mortality. And yet the screening rates in most countries including Malaysia remain far too low”, she reported during the media briefing. Current recommendations call for adults aged 50 years and older to be screened for the disease. “To achieve higher screening rates amongst Malaysians, awareness about viable screening options needs to be aggressively promoted. EMPOWERED’s organised and population-based strategy to the execution of our screening programs in under-resourced Malaysian communities since 2010, have successfully resulted in uptakes as high as 85%”, Dr. Ng further explained.

Dr. Ng recognised that the financial support of corporate partners is critical in realising the society’s vital initiatives. At the launch event of EMPOWERED’s 2014 project, she expressed the society’s gratitude towards every donor and sponsor who have generously supported EMPOWERED’s cause. “Outreach projects like these are critical for the well being of the community. As a Foundation with a strong focus on community health, Yayasan Sime Darby aspires to reach out and help with early detection. We are passionate about empowering initiatives such as this which will give access to all segments of society to educate themselves and provide them with the necessary support for early cancer detection,” said Pn. Hjh. Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby, the main funder of the EMPOWERED’s 2014 Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment Project.

Dr.Ng urged the Malaysian public, both individual and corporate groups, to partner with EMPOWERED, and to give and donate generously towards society’s mission. For more information on EMPOWERED’s work, please log onto www.empowered.org.my

About EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia

Officially launched in April 2009, EMPOWERED - The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia, is a non-profit tax exempt organization committed to saving lives, preventing cancer and eliminating suffering amongst the poor in Malaysia. The organization was founded and is presided by Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Christina Ng.

EMPOWERED与癌症幸存者整装决战大肠癌
再度接触到1万5千低收入大马人士。

EMPOWERED马来西亚防癌协会自从2010以来,以非常详尽完整执行年度指标性的大肠癌专题活动,让资源匮乏的社群里留下深刻的印象。此活动由肿瘤科医生吴医生主导,专为集中社区执行任务而设计。EMPOWERED的受益者见证了社会对于马来西亚低收入社群生命具有意义的影响力。通过早期大肠癌的筛检及移除癌症前期的息肉和,EMPOWERED的受益者感激社会感激挽救他们的生命。

截至2014年中,大肠癌专题活动估计将会让大马七万五千位低收入人士受惠。今年我们将会聚焦于吉隆坡焦赖低收入社区。EMPOWERED今年在对抗马来西亚的顶尖的癌症凶手的力度将随活力充沛的大肠癌幸存者的加入而加倍提高。这样的合作关系让EMPOWERED更有效的提倡早期筛检早期发现。

EMPOWERED的付出长期得到卫生部稳定与的强力支持。EMPOWERED在2014年大肠癌专题活动与直辖区健康局的焦赖健康诊所,Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Perseketuan稳固的草根合作,更加强蓝图里的病人关怀系统。此系统的组成是为了给那些刚被诊断出大肠癌的病人提供心灵上的关怀与支持。EMPOWERED与士拉央长期的同盟关系有助于确保若在筛检的居民的粪便里发现潜血,能尽快的安排进行大肠镜检查和后续所需的癌症治疗。

在蕉赖大肠癌专题活动推介礼上,卫生部副部长拿督斯里希尔米说,“恭喜EMPOWERED非常投入的成功举办这些有益的活动。我希望这项活动能够达成目标,激发及转移Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A& 3 B居民的思考模式。这里要传达一个非常重要信息,就是透过早期筛检预防大肠癌,并在有需要的时候获得及时治疗。"

大肠癌幸存者跨出勇敢的一步,在EMPOWERED 2014大肠癌专题活动里成为了我们伙伴,在他们与病魔抗战的路上更增强生存的意志。哈吉再努丁在1975年被诊断患有第二期大肠癌。当这位七十六岁的癌症幸存者面对蕉赖热情的人群时,他毫无保留的分享生活的脆弱。

我认为一切都结束了,因为我那时才四十岁。'癌症' 这个字是确实很可怕,”他回忆着。但癌症并没有阻止哈吉再努丁追求他的目标和梦。他分享在抗癌的路上的战绩“在1985年到2014年期间,我去过副朝(Umrah) 7次了!”哈吉再努丁把他能熬过逆境的力量,归因他收到了家庭的支持和爱。他启发群众参与EMPOWERED 2014大肠癌专题活动。“你看,他们甚至已装备好给你精神上的以支持!你能上哪儿找到这样的一个活动?”他总结。

叶先生在被诊断出患有第四期大肠癌时是51岁。他坦然的分享说:“当我知道这消息的时候,我很平静。自从我两年前被诊断后,我进行了3个外科手术和2个化疗疗程”。“我的癌症经历证明了早期筛检早期发现非常重要。如果拖延至像我一样到了后期才发现,会经历更多身体和精神上的折磨”他更明确的继续说明。

当被寻问有什么话想给予蕉赖社区的民众,叶先生再次强调早期癌症筛检的必要性。“现在就去做!更何况EMPOWERED的活动是不征收费用的!”。他强调寻找适当的癌症治疗的重要性,更不鼓励蕉赖社区的民众寻求不正规的另类疗法。

EMPOWERED 2014 大肠癌专题活动在我们焦赖目标的社区得到了热烈的反应。今年社区的活动是EMPOWERED自2010年开始进行提倡工作以来,达到了最高的参与度!EMPOWERED的创办人兼主席吴婉咨医生对于今年活动的踊跃参与程度感到兴奋,并赞叹这些居民愿意透过健康改变他们的生命的决定和努力。吴婉咨医生说,“EMPOWERED会继续与草根领袖以及官方的有关当局更加紧密合作,以能够接触我国的更多资料与资源匮乏的民众。”

吴医生也呼吁来自各行各业的马来西亚人,一起联合EMPOWERED来抵抗大马的癌症头号凶手。她说:“有实据证明大肠癌筛查有效的降低大肠癌死亡率。然而在大多数国家包括马来西亚的筛检率还是太低了。”。目前的进行大肠癌筛检的建议年龄是50岁年或以上的成年人。“为了让马来西亚人达到更高的大肠癌筛检率,关于筛检选项的意识需要更积极的宣传与推广。EMPOWERED所组织和在人口为基础的策略下在大马低收入社区进行我们的筛检活动,自2010开始以来,已经成功的让该区域高达85%的民众参与。”医生吴进一步解释。

吴医生意识到要实现社会主观能动性,来自企业伙伴的财务援助是非常关键的。吴医生在EMPOWERED 2014年的活动上感谢每一位捐赠者与赞助商所给予EMPOWERED的慷慨捐助与支持。

这些援助活动对社区福利是非常关键的。作为一个强力关注社区的基金会,森美那基金会立志透过早期筛检向更多的生命伸出援手。我们热切于这样的计划,帮助社会各个阶层透过教育提高自我掌握生命的能力,并提供癌症早期筛检的需要与支援。”EMPOWERED 2014年大肠癌专题活动主要赞助森那美基金首席执行官Yatela Zainal Abidin女士如是表示。

我们骄傲资助打开通道的一个主动为马来西亚人的所有部分,对教育,资料及总的疾病支持,为一个不正常的疾病,如癌症”

吴医生呼吁马来西亚的公众,不论是个人或是企业集团,一起加入EMPOWERED的行列,慷慨解囊及为社会付出。欲了解更多关于EMPOWERED的工作,请游览www.empowered.org.my

"EMPOWERED DAN RAKAN PERJUANGAN MEREKA – BEKAS PESAKIT BARAH TELAH MEMPERKEMASKAN LANGKAH MEREKA DENGAN LEBIH GAGAH BAGI MEMERANGI BARAH USUS BESAR”
Seramai 15,000 rakyat Malaysia kurang bernasib baik telah menerima bantuan.

Sejak tahun 2010, EMPOWERED - Persatuan Advokasi Kanser Malaysia telah mencipta nama di Malaysia dengan pelaksanaan Projek Rawatan dan Saringan barah usus besar tahunan kepada komuniti kurang berkemampuan. Pengasas dan Presiden , Dr. Christina Ng merupakan Pakar Onkologi Perubatan menekankan tentang matlamat EMPOWERED iaitu bantuan diberikan kepada komuniti dan orang ramai. Testimoni yang dijalankan pihak EMPOWERED jelas memaparkan kesan yang bermakna kepada masyarakat tentang nasib kurang baik rakyat Malaysia. Melalui pengesanan dan pembuangan polip precancerous dan barah usus besar peringkat awal, benefiasiari EMPOWERED berasa terhutang budi kerana mereka telah diselamatkan melalui program ini. Menjelang pertengahan tahun 2014, usaha gigih masyarakat melalui Projek Saringan dan Rawatan Barah Usus Besar yang dijalankan setiap tahun telah mencapai hampir 75,000 rakyat Malaysia yang berpendapatan rendah. Namun pada tahun ini, masyarakat telah mengalihkan tumpuan dan sumber-sumbernya kepada masyarakat yang kurang bernasib baik dari Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Tahun ini, EMPOWERED akan bertempur dengan barah yang merupaskan pembunuh utama Malaysia. Usaha telah dipergiatkan lagi dengan perkongsian maklumat dan pengalaman dari bekas pesakit barah usus besar kepada masyarakat. Perkongsian ini bertujuan untuk memperhebatkan sokongan EMPOWERED untuk mengesan barah usus besar pada peringkat awal melalui kaedah saringan jisim berkesan .

EMPOWERED telah menerima sokongan yang mantap dan padu dari Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. EMPOWERED juga turut bekerjasama dengan Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan. Pada 2014 projek saringan dan rawatan barah usus besar oleh EMPOWERED akan memberikan bantuan kepada pesakit golongan sasar yang telah dibina ke dalam rangka tindakan projek ini untuk memenuhi keperluan emosi mereka yang baru didiagnosis dengan barah usus besar. Kerjasama berterusan antara EMPOWERED dengan Hospital Selayang telah memainkan peranan penting dalam memastikan benefisiari yang mengalami penghasilan darah dalam najis mereka untuk membolehkan mereka menerima pemeriksaan kolonoskopi dan rawatan yang diperlukan. Pada majlis pelancaran projek masyarakat 2014 di Cheras, Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan , Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Hilmi bin Haji Yahaya berkata, "Syabas dan tahniah kepada EMPOWERD di atas komitmen dalam menganjurkan program yang sangat berfaedah ini. Saya berharap program pada hari ini akan mencapai objektifnya dan mampu mencetuskan anjakan paradigma di kalangan golongan sasaran khasnya semua penduduk di Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah Blok 3A dan 3B Cheras. Satu mesej penting yang perlu disebarkan ialah cegah kanser, kesan awal dan dapatkan rawatan dengan segera.”

Pesakit barah usus besar juga bekerjasama sebagai rakan kongsi EMPOWERED pada majlis pelancaran projek 2014 melalui testimoni- testimony mereka yang dapat menguatkan lagi langkah bagi memerangi penyakit berbahaya itu. Tuan Haji Zainuddin disahkan menghidap barah usus besar peringkat 2 pada tahun 1975. Beliau telah menerima sokongan yang tidak berbelah bagi dari komuniti Cheras semasa beliau berkongsi mengenai pengalaman kehidupan beliau sebagi penghidap barah usus besar sehingga pada umur beliau 76 kini. "Saya fikir segala-galanya akan berakhir kerana saya baru berumur 40 tahun ketika mula-mula didiagnosis. Perkataan barah sesungguhnya sangat menakutkan saya ", tambah beliau. Tetapi barah tidak menghalang Tuan Haji Zainuddin daripada meneruskan matlamat dan impiannya. Beliau telah berkongsi mengenai pengalaman beliau semasanya menghidapi barah tersebut . "Di antara tahun 1985 dan 2014, saya telah pergi ke Umrah sebanyak tujuh kali!" Tuan Haji Zainuddin tetap tabah menghadapi kesukaran dengan sokongan dan kasih sayang dari keluarganya. Beliau telah menjadi inspirasi kepada orang ramai bagi projek saringan serta rawatan barah usus besar untuk tahun 2014. "EMPOWERED bukan sahaja menghulurkan bantuan sokongan kesihatan malah turut menyediakan bantuan sokongan emosi kepada pesakit yang jarang sekali dilakukan oleh mana-mana pihak sebelum ini bukan?", tambah Haji Zainuddin .

Encik Yap Kean Seng berumur 51 tahun semasa beliau didiagnosis dengan barah usus besar peringkat 4. "Saya tenang menerima berita tersebut," kata beliau. "Sejak diagnosis hampir dua tahun setengah yang lalu, saya telah menjalani 3 kali pembedahan dan 2 kursus kemoterapi", beliau secara terbuka berkongsi penagalaman tersebut. "Sejarah barah yang dihidapi saya menjadi bukti kepada anda semua bahawa pengesanan awal melalui saringan adalah sangat penting. Jika anda didiagnosis pada peringkat yang agak lewat seperti saya, anda akan melalui pengalaman pahit dan emosi yang telah saya lalui sebelum ini,” jelas beliau menekankan. Apabila diminta untuk memberi mesej kepada masyarakat Cheras, Encik Yap menegaskan tentang keperluan menjalani saringan untuk pengesananan awal barah agar dapat membantu orang ramai untuk lebih bersiap sedia untuk langkah yang berikutnya yang patut diambil. "Lakukanlah ianya sekarang! EMPOWERED telah memperuntukkan semua bayaran." Beliau juga menyatakan tentang kepentingan mendapatkan rawatan perubatan yang betul untuk barah dan memesan agar masyarakat Cheras supaya tidak mendapatkan rawatan alternatif yang lain.

Sambutan yang diberikan amatlah menggalakkan daripada masyarakat di Cheras dalam kempen projek saringan dan rawatan barah usus besar 2014. Pendaftaran pada tahun 2014 dalam projek EMPOWERED mencatatkan bilangan tertinggi sejak EMPOWERED memulakan kerja advokasi dalam barah usus besar pada tahun 2010. Pengasas dan Presiden persatuan itu, Dr. Christina Ng juga turut memuji usaha tegas benifisiari EMPOWERED dalam membawa perubahan kepada kepentingan kesihatan dalam kehidupan mereka. Tambah Dr. Ng, "EMPOWERED akan terus bekerjasama dengan para pemimpin dari akar umbi dan pihak- pihak lain yang terlibat dalam projek ini untuk menjadikan impian EMPOWERED menjadi kenyataan.

Dr. Ng juga menggesa rakyat Malaysia dari semua lapisan masyarakat untuk bekerjasama dengan EMPOWERED untuk turut sama memerangi barah ini sebagai pembunuh utama di negara ini. "Terdapat bukti yang nyata bahawa pemeriksaan barah usus besar adalah berkesan dalam mengurangkan bilangan kematian. Namun kadar pemeriksaan di kebanyakan negara termasuk Malaysia terlalu rendah", lapor beliau bersama media. Percadangan untuk menjalankan saringan diberi untuk orang dewasa yang berumur 50 tahun dan ke atas. "Bagi meningkatkan kadar pemeriksaan yang lebih tinggi di kalangan rakyat Malaysia, kesedaran tentang menjalani pemeriksaan perlu dipromosikan secara agresif. Strategi EMPOWERED yang menganjurkan dan melaksanakan program saringan yang teratur dan berdasarkan dengan populasi untuk masyarakat yang kurang berkemampuan sejak tahun 2010 telah berjaya menghasilkan peningkatan keputusan sehingga 85 %," jelas Dr. Ng dengan lebih lanjut.

Dr. Ng mengakui bahawa sokongan kewangan daripada pihak korporat agak kritikal dalam merealisasikan inisiatif penting kepada masyarakat. Pada majlis pelancaran 2014 projek EMPOWERED tersebut, beliau telah melahirkan rasa penghargaan masyarakat terhadap setiap penderma dan penaja yang telah bermurah hati menyokong matlamat EMPOWERED ini. "Projek-projek outreach yang diajalankan seperti ini sangat penting bagi menjamin kesejahteraan masyarakat. Sebagai sebuah yayasan yang berfokus dalam bidang kesihatan di komuniti, Yayasan Sime Darby berazam untuk membantu golongan berpendapatan rendah untuk mendapatkan pengesanan awal barah usus besar. Kami dengan seikhlasnya menyokong inisiatif sebegini yang dapat membantu mendidik semua lapisan masyarakat Malaysia tentang penyakit barah usus besar di samping memberi sokongan yang sewajarnya untuk pengesanan awal barah usus besar,” kata Pn. Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dari Yayasan Sime Darby yang merupakan penaja utama bagi projek saringan dan rawatan barah usus besar oleh EMPOWERED 2014.

Dr.Ng menggalakkan orang ramai di Malaysia sama ada individu dan korporat, untuk bekerjasama dengan EMPOWERED untuk menderma dengan murah hati ke arah misi masyarakat.

Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai gerak kerja yang dijalankan pihak EMPOWERED , sila layari www.empowered.org.my

EMPOWERED – Persatuan Advokasi Kanser Malaysia

Dilancarkan secara rasmi pada April 2009, EMPOWERED – Persatuan Advokasi Kanser Malaysia merupakan sebuah organisasi swasta yang dikecualikan cukai, berkomited untuk menyelamatkan nyawa, mencegah barah dan menghapuskan penderitaan di kalangan golongan kurang berkemampuan di Malaysia. Organisasi ini ditubuhkan dan diketuai oleh Perunding Onkologi, Dr. Christina Ng.

Images of EMPOWERED’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day & Launch Event 2014

Testimonials

For testimonials from fellow collaborators for this project

News

With the official support of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Hilmi bin Haji Yahaya, Deputy Minister of Health, EMPOWERED’s 2014 Colorectal Cancer Screening & Treatment Project at Perumahan Awam Seri Sabah 3A & 3B, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur was launched. Pls. click here for Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Hilmi bin Haji Yahaya’s Keynote Speech.

Main Sponsor

  • Yayasan Sime Darby

With the Co-operation of :

  • PERSATUAN PENDUDUK PERUMAHAN AWAM SERI SABAH 3A
  • PERSATUAN PENDUDUK PERUMAHAN AWAM SERI SABAH 3B

List of Collaborators :

  • PERSATUAN IBU TUNGGAL SERI SABAH
  • DEWAN BANDARAYA KUALA LUMPUR
  • HOSPITAL SELAYANG
  • INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY – COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB & ASIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
  • JABATAN KESIHATAN WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN
  • KLINIK KESIHATAN CHERAS
  • ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE KUALA LUMPUR
  • SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE

List of Other Sponsors :

  • A.W. FABER CASTELL (M) SDN. BHD.
  • AERY JO ACADEMY SDN. BHD.
  • AJINOMOTO (M) BERHAD
  • ASTRAZENECA SDN. BHD.
  • AXIATA GROUP BERHAD
  • BIOALPHA INTERNATIONAL SDN. BHD.
  • CHUAN SIN SDN. BHD. (SPRITZER)
  • ERNST & YOUNG ADVISORY SERVICES SDN. BHD.
  • FEDERAL OATS MILLS SDN. BHD.
  • FRASER & NEAVE HOLDINGS BHD.
  • GARDENIA BAKERIES (KL) SDN. BHD.
  • GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER HEALTHCARE SDN. BHD.
  • GLAXOSMITHKLINE PHARMACEUTICAL SDN. BHD.
  • GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS SDN. BHD.
  • HOVID BERHAD
  • IJM CORPORATION BERHAD
  • KHEE SAN FOOD INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD.
  • KIMBERLY CLARK TRADING (M) SDN. BHD.
  • KYOWA HAKKO KIRIN
  • LEE BISCUITS (PTE) LTD.
  • MAESTRO SWISS CHOCOLATE SDN. BHD.
  • MERCK SDN. BHD.
  • MESB BERHAD
  • MID VALLEY CITY SDN. BHD.
  • POWER ROOT (M) SDN. BHD.
  • RAMSAY SIME DARBY HEALTHCARE SDN. BHD.
  • ROCHE (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD.
  • TEH LIANG PENG SDN. BHD.
  • UDI MARKETING SDN. BHD.
  • Marina Sardines
  • V-Soy™ Soya Bean Milk
Stay tuned for more updates on this project!
If you would like to support our cause to save more lives,
contact us now for more details on sponsorship!