Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar

Presentation of cheque to National Cancer Society of Malaysia

The UTAR Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar on 31 March 2016 at the Multi-purpose Hall in Sungai Long Campus.

The seminar aimed to create public awareness about colorectal cancer and to promote an understanding of healthy lifestyles in accordance with the CCR’s commitment to educating the public on the importance of screening and prevention.

The seminar’s chairperson, Sheela Devi in her opening speech said that World Cancer Day is a chance to make a change. There is much to be done to eradicate colorectal cancer and we must first understand that early detection can save lives. She also said that UTAR CCR has always shown support in order to bestow awareness of cancer and its prevention strategies.

“Awareness is very important. In UTAR we not only encourage staff and students to do research in cancer, but also to go out and get involved with society to heighten awareness,” said UTAR Vice-President R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei in his speech. He also said that medical expenses can be reduced if society learns to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The one day seminar comprised of six talks, which include “Colorectal Cancer: A Lifestyle Cancer”, “Updates on Colorectal Cancer”, “Cancer Prevention using Traditional Chinese Medicine”, “Bowel Screening for Colorectal Cancer”, Benefits of Probiotics on Gut Health”, and “Benefits of Exercise & Oncology Rehabilitation for Colorectal Cancer”.

Centre for Cancer Research Chairperson Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi introduced the six speakers who were experts in their respective fields, namely National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Cancer and Health Screening Clinic Head Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin, KPJ Kajang Specialist Hospital Consultant General, Gastrointestinal, Endo-laparospic Minimally surgeon Dr S. Kumar, National Cancer Institute, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Unit Head Dr Lim Ren Jye, UTAR Department of Medicine Head Prof Dr Shelly Soo, Chr. Hansen sales manager in Asean region Cheah Tien Keat, and UTAR Physiotherapy lecturer Imtiyaz Ali.

“By coming to this seminar, we have learnt how to give correct information to the patients and society,” said Aisyah, a nurse from the National Cancer Institute. Her colleague Haslina added that they learned from the seminar new techniques to handle patients in certain cases and that the talks really helped them in their line of work.

During the seminar, Prof Lee presented a cheque worth RM1,048 by UTAR CCR to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. The donation came from 50 percent of the proceeds from sales of cancer support ribbons.The participants in the seminar came from the National Cancer Institute, Tung Shin Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Sungai Long Medical Center, and UCSI University, besides those from UTAR and the public.