Aimed at recognising women’s contribution to society and promoting awareness on gender equality, which is also one of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations, UTAR in collaboration with National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) organised the second webinar titled “Importance of Cancer Screening and Cancer Risk Reduction Strategies” in its series on 10 April 2021 via ZOOM.

Held in conjunction with the UTAR International Women’s Day 2021, the series, themed ‘Empowering Women, Gearing towards Equality’ saw two invited speakers from NCSM, namely Mahirah Ma’som and Naviindran Pillai.

The session kick-started with the first speaker Mahirah who spoke on the overview of cancer and the importance of cancer screening as well as the strategies of cancer risk reduction. She described, “Cancer begins when genetic changes affect the orderly process of cells. Cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a mass called a tumour which can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumour is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumour means the tumour can grow but will not spread. Some types of cancer do not form a tumour such as leukaemia, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma.”

She added, “Research shows that from 2012 to 2016 period, the highest cancers detected among Malaysians, were breast cancer, colorectal, lung, lymphoma, and nasopharynx. Sadly, the estimated 60 per cent of cancer prognosis among patients in Malaysia is only detected at later stages. Cancer is usually only detected at Stage Three and Four after it has struck its victims and among the main contributing factor for late detection is the lack of awareness on the importance of screening and early detection amongst Malaysians.”

She also emphasised the importance of early detection as it is one of the crucial aspects to be highlighted in cancer prevention and control since this dreadful disease has emerged as the second-highest cause of death among Malaysians. She added, “The three most common cancers among men in Malaysia are colorectal, lung and nasopharynx; whilst the three most common cancers among women are breast, colorectal and cervix.”

She also continued her talk by explaining the signs and symptoms of cancer. She defined, “Signs and symptoms are ways the body lets you know that you have an injury, illness, or disease. For example, a sign such as fever or bleeding can be seen and measured by someone else, however a symptom such as pain or tiredness is only felt or noticed by the person who has it.” She explained the signs and symptoms of cancer, depending on where the cancer is, how mass it is and how much it affects the internal organs and tissues nearby. The signs or symptoms may only appear on different parts of the body if the cancer has spread to the other sites in the body metastasis. “Cancer can grow into, nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves and the pressure caused from the process will lead to some of the signs and symptoms of cancer,” added Mahirah.

“Among the common symptoms that a cancer may cause are fever, extreme tiredness and weight loss. This could be because cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply and cancer may also release substances that change the way the body makes energy,” explained Mahirah. She also added, “Therefore, please keep an eye on the unusual changes and quickly get yourself screened at an early stage when the cancer is more treatable.”

In her talk, she also emphasised the examples of cancer screening test and screening timeline for different cancers. The talk also touched on cancer diagnostic tests which will help the patients to confirm the presence of the disease and identify the correct tumour, type, location and stage of cancer.

She concluded her talk with a take-home message, saying, “Get screened before you present any signs and symptoms.”

In addition to Mahirah’s informative presentation, the webinar also saw an inspiring cancer sharing session by a brave cancer survivor, inspiring millions of women worldwide to fight the deadly disease, Naviindran Pillai, who is also fondly known as Navi. Navi is a fashion model and an avid Instagrammer, having 17.8K fan followers. In her sharing session, she proudly said, “I have cancer, but it’s not the end of the world. I’m fighting for my life, but I’m going to live my life to the fullest.” Navi has undergone chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer that later spread to her liver and backbone.

Throughout her sharing, Navi inspired the participants by sharing her cancer journey and how she tackled all the physical and mental challenges that she had while she was going for all her therapies.

She motivated, “I was lost, and went through a period of depression. But somehow I found the strength to fight. I found my inner strength. I am grateful for my cancer. It has taught me to appreciate life and not to take anything for granted. Today, I can proudly say that with a positive mindset, unconditional love and support, prayers and modern medicines, I can beat this deadly disease and inspire thousands of people out there who are on the same boat as me.”

She added, “I am always proud to be a cancer survivor. Cancer has affected me in so many different ways, good and bad, but I will not let it control my life. Believe you can do it; believe in yourself. Love yourself and surround yourself with positivity and love, and everything will fall into place.”

She inspired, “You always think cancer is something that happens to older people, but the disease does not discriminate. I didn’t know what cancer meant when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 22. I kept questioning ‘Was I going to die? Could I just take the medicines and get back to life?’ I just wanted to get treated and then get on with my life. I wanted to live a normal life like my friends.” “Then I realised, cancer does not mean death. Life is like a journey on a road. The road has many forms; smooth, zig-zag and ups and downs. But life has to go on. You must strive forward and always focus on your physical and mental health and be the little hope that brings light to your life as well as into others who are going through the same pain,” she added.

Navi is helping cancer survivors feel ‘normal’ by talking openly about her journey. She said that people often don’t want to talk about their cancer because they feel self-conscious; they don’t talk about their depression because society expects them to just snap out of it, but Navi knows that these feelings are real and she wants to give support for all those who need it.

Also present during the webinar was the Organising Chairperson of the UTAR Women’s International Day 2021, Dr Phoon Lee Quen, UTAR staff and students, and members of the public.

The two-hour webinar ended with an interactive question and answering session between the speakers and the participants. A virtual group photograph was also captured at the end of the session as a remembrance for all.