PJSC observes World Cancer Day themed “Close the Care Gap”
Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) on Friday hosted a get-together to commemorate the global observance World Cancer Day, celebrating the lives saved from cancer with the theme “Close the Care Gap”.
The annual event is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and celebrated every 4 February which theme aimed to address the inequities in cancer care experienced by patients everywhere especially during these trying times caused by COVID-19.
In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of PJSC Dr Hj Mazrul Adimin Hj Awang Besar said that it is a day of celebration and reflections for those who have survived.
“… a day of appreciation for the resilience and courage of those diagnosed with cancer and a gathering of support for families and carers and a day of recognition for those dedicated to treating and caring for these patients,” said Dr Haji Mazrul Adimin.
He further said that the global movement is the beginning of a new campaign to raise awareness on cancer care, to reduce stigma and to listen to the perspectives of people living with cancer and let those lived experiences guide people’s thoughts and actions.
“In terms of the issues of care gap in cancer care, Brunei is very fortunate as with the generosity of His Majesty’s Government, the costs of accessing screening, investigations and treatment of cancer are taken care of,” continued the executive director.
However, added the doctor, it is acknowledged that there are still gaps in the knowledge, education and actions in accessing early cancer detection and prevention as well as for the support from the wider community for challenges faced by the cancer patients and their family and carers.
With the recent celebration of World Cancer Day 2022 held at the centre, members of the public is able to see from cancer patients and survivors’ perspectives as they expressed themselves through art in collaboration with Shofry Abdul Ghafor, the owner of Rainforest Gallery where he conducted AfiyART, a programme for 15 cancer patients and survivors to create their own paintings.
A two-sided Graffiti Art
Mural was also created by Guerrilla Architect Studio in collaboration with PJSC based on the commemoration day’s theme showcasing one side, Guerrilla Architect’s interpretation of World Cancer Day and artwork made with contributions and ideas from patients and survivors on the other.
The paintings from the AfiyArt program and the Graffiti Art Mural were also showcased at the event along with vendors and exhibition giving facts about cancer liven up the event.
PJSC is contributing full support to UICC in the fight against cancer and encourages everyone to show their support by joining the 21 Days to Impact Challenge where everyone can build a healthy habit and approach to life and participants can register on UICC’s website.