KUALA LUMPUR: Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur hosted a special event in honour of cancer survivors themed, "Against All Odds — A Tribute to Cancer Survivors", at its premises on June 10.
The event, officiated by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, highlighted the resilience of cancer survivors, and their remarkable journey towards recovery.
The cancer survivors and patients were also joined by their loved ones, who played a crucial part in providing care and assistance during their illness.
There were sharing sessions, a cancer suvivors exhibition and activities for the public to take part in, like a DIY mug station and write-a-postcard-to-your-future-self station.
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer Hoo Ling Lee said: "This celebration goes beyond survival — it is about saluting the fighting spirit shown by cancer survivors and their determination to battle their disease.
"As a healthcare provider, we see individuals fighting cancer every day. These patients need our support, as cancer diagnosis and treatments can have a significant impact not only on the patient, but also their loved ones.
"By sharing the stories of cancer survivors, we hope to bring about some optimism and the strength of mind for patients and their caregivers to persevere through treatment."
Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha addressed the rising prevalence of cancer in Malaysia.
"We have implemented various initiatives, such as national campaigns to promote healthy behaviours and cancer vaccination programmes. The government also launched Agenda National Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) to promote the health and wellbeing of Malaysians.
"This agenda promotes healthy lifestyles and behaviours, such as regular exercise, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. These efforts are aimed at reducing the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD) including cancer and empowering individuals to take control of their own health.
"In addition, the HPV and Hep B vaccination programmes are part of the continuous efforts by the ministry to prevent cervical and liver cancer respectively," she said.
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, a subsidiary of IHH Healthcare, has been supportive of the efforts by the Health Ministry to address the growing demand for cancer care in the country.
In September 2022, IHH Healthcare signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ministry to fully sponsor radiotherapy and radiosurgery for 500 patients from government hospitals.
These patients were identified and referred by the ministry and their designated specialists.
They will receive the treatment across seven of IHH Healthcare Malaysia's hospitals, including Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
SPREADING THE WORD
Cancer survivors were also given the opportunity to speak about their extraordinary journey of conquering cancer during a sharing session.
Consultant orthopaedic specialist at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur Dr Abd Razak Muhamad is victorious in his battle against chronic myeloid leukaemia since his diagnosis in 2006.
He is a compassionate doctor who understands the struggles his patients endure.
"Being a doctor and a patient at the same time was a humbling experience, as I got to view cancer from two perspectives," he said.
Zuraini Kamal was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2012, and founded Cancer Survivors Malaysia in 2014.
"We want to use this platform to share our stories and raise awareness about cancer. When I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, I did not think that I would survive. I thought there were no treatments at all. I did not think it could be cured," she said.
Singer and influencer Adzrin Adzhar, who also performed empowering songs during the event, encouraged cancer patients to accept their circumstances and muster the strength to overcome them.
"Since my diagnosis, I took the opportunity to raise awareness about cancer by singing motivational songs and sharing my journey on social media," said Adzrin.
These cancer survivors' journeys were also displayed in the hospital's lobby, alongside 10 other cancer survivors' stories.
The exhibition is open to the public, located at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur Lobby in Block B.
The stories of cancer survivors will also be featured on Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur's Facebook and Instagram.