A shoulder to lean on
AS one of the main care providers among cancer charities in Malaysia, the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) is dedicated to providing the best possible education about cancer, cancer care and patient support.
NCSM has been offering counselling services for cancer patients since 1980. In 2003, it launched the Resource and Wellness Centre to support patients and survivors. Its aim is to improve society’s understanding of cancer, consequently diminishing fear regarding cancer and encouraging early detection.
Over the years, NCSM has established a breast cancer support group called Pink Unity that promotes peer-to-peer support. NCSM has also set up different wellness classes or activities such as laughter yoga and dance.
According to NCSM’s senior project manager Viji Nair, many breast cancer awareness programmes and campaigns have focused on the early stages of the disease.
The society felt an urgent need to highlight advanced stages of
breast cancer, thus spurring an initiative to start the Advanced reast Cancer (ABC) programme in 013 based on data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry
2007 - 2011 that states 43% of breast cancer incidences are already in Stages 3 and 4.
“We worked closely with the pharmaceutical industry to raise awareness and support for the ABC community. Our first programme the publication of an ABC information and awareness chure, which was followed he publication of Advanced Breast Cancer Guidebook: A Guide to Living with Advanced Breast Cancer.
“This year, we created an ABC microsite within our Stronger Than Cancer website,” says Viji.
The microsite, which is hosted on www.strongerthancancer.org.
my, is an informative platform for advanced breast cancer patients and survivors. Users have access to discussion forums on which an advanced breast cancer forum targeting patients and caregivers was organised last year.
For NCSM member and advanced breast cancer survivor Nur Akmar Shuib, 44, she was frustrated that there were no symptoms or signs to indicate initial stages of her breast cancer. Her journey with breast cancer started with a Stage 4 diagnosis.
“I did not experience any pain prior to my diagnosis. The first thing I had to do was find the right breast surgeon and oncologist for myself and a trusted caregiver for my younger daughter,” says Nur Akmar.
She recalls feeling healthy and happy right up to one night when she found lumps on her breast and armpit. Despite that, she continued to remain positive.
“There is hope no matter how dark the scenario is. I had to accept the fact that for a Stage 4 patient, hospitals and necessary medical attention are never far from one’s life. It will be a lifelong involvement. Hence, a positive mindset is vital.
“Join support groups. There are many of them online and they provide vital sources of information regarding ABC. More importantly, set a target. What do you want to live for after being diagnosed? Reach for it,” adds Nur Akmar.
NCSM holds on to the philosophy that cancer, including advanced breast cancer, is not a death sentence. It can be controlled for years with many treatment options and many women with advanced breast cancer go on to live full lives with the disease under control.
It encourages women to take advantage of available support and to join or even lead its online forum community.
General cancer-related support for all Malaysians is also available. NCSM has developed several modes of contact for people seeking help such as its toll-free cancer helpline (1800 081 000), e-mail (help@cancer.org.my), a mobile app (Stronger than Cancer) and a website for advanced breast cancer patients (www. advancedbreastcancer.org.my).
Together with Etiqa, NCSM is also offering free mammograms for the underprivileged across peninsular Malaysia.
For more information, call 03-2698 7300 or e-mail angela@cancer.org.my.