By Emellia Tamoh and Geryl Ogilvy
KUCHING, June 20: Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) will launch a book to support and provide self-help for cancer patients at its fundraising dinner this July 24.
The dinner at Sarawak Club, here, aimed to raise RM10,000 to aid in the publication of more volumes of the book titled ‘So you have cancer – what now? A guide for patients’.
“The book will act as a guide for cancer patients. At the moment, we only have the English version of the book, but a Mandarin and BM (Bahasa Melayu) version will be available soon to reach out to more patients.
“We hope to benefit others by reaching out on cancer awareness and understanding its signs and symptoms,” SCAN president Sew Boon Lui told reporters during a courtesy call on Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at Baitulmakmur Complex here today.
SCAN advisor Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain was also present during the visit to the Minister of Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development.
The courtesy call was also to invite Fatimah to grace the fundraising dinner, which will be a special and meaningful event for the society in conjunction with its 2nd anniversary.
“With a team of 35, SCAN comprises cancer survivors, caregivers, cancer patients, nurses, medical professionals as well as volunteers from all walks of life,” said Sew.
She added that SCAN had collaborated with numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Support Group and National Cancer Society.
“SCAN aimed to be the voice for cancer patients in Sarawak,” she added.
Fatimah lauded the society’s noble intention to carry out advocacy programmes for cancer, which will give hope and awareness on treatment as well as combating social stigma.
“SCAN, they are small in numbers but very impactful in effort. The book will help patients and caregivers to cope with treatment as well as reaching out to those who keep quiet on their illness out of fear of social stigma,” she remarked.
Fatimah encouraged SCAN to network with international groups to exchange views and learn of the latest treatment, medication, healthcare services and support system.
She lauded SCAN’s effort to carry out a cancer awareness survey last year. She reminded that early detection is very important to have better chances of treatment and cure.
Fatimah also expressed satisfaction with SCAN’s programme, which included training and peer counselling.
“It is important to tell cancer patients that they are not alone, never give up,” she said.
The fundraising tickets, priced at RM150 per person or RM1,500 per table, may be purchased through Sew at 019-8586100. — DayakDaily
