OVER 2,000 people clad in purple were seen participating in Relay For Life 2018 held at Universiti Sains Malaysia today.
Joining them was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who was the Guest of Honour for the event.
The heavy downpour did not stop the participants which included some 180 cancer survivors to take part in the relay to bring a message of hope to cancer patients.
Prior to the relay, Chow conveyed his hope that through cancer awareness campaigns, the disease can be defeated.
“This annual campaign reflects the extraordinary unity and effort by the community to create awareness and fight against cancer and I’m honoured to be part of this special campaign.
“I believe that we all have, in one way or another, came across this disease either directly or indirectly in our daily lives.
“It may be through friends, families, loved ones or even personal experiences with cancer. Thus I hope that through campaigns such as this, we can triumph over cancer,” said Chow in his speech.
Chow also highlighted the importance of early detection which could improve the survival rate of cancer.
“It is important to go for regular check ups and if we sense any symptoms in our body, we need to consult the doctor immediately.
“In Malaysia almost two third of patients with cancer are diagnosed at stage three or four whereas in developed countries only about a third are diagnosed late.
“Cancer treatment will be more effective if it is treated earlier.
“We are proud that in Penang, we have active non-profit organisations like the NCSM Penang Branch and Penang Hospice Society that constantly provide accessible free services and support to anyone who needs them.
“All of us must work closely to ensure that this movement keeps going forward and never stops,” added Chow.
The Relay For Life 2018 was organised by
National Cancer Society Malaysia Penang Branch and the Penang Hospice Society, with the support of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis