Enlightening the young on cancer

Star: THE National Cancer Society of Malaysia is putting in more efforts to boost awareness on early detection among the youth.
NCSM secretary Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said being young did not automatically protect one from cancer.
“A lot of people associate cancer with middle-aged people. We want to change this perception," she said.
”We are going to the young people now to make sure that they know what cancer is and how important it is to detect it at an early age.”
Dr Saunthari said the association was now focusing on schoolchildren who were in their teens and adults below 30 years old. Dr Saunthari said, though there were signs that one could look for and early detection could save lives, information ought to be shared and understood to address the lack of awareness about the disease.
She said while the international rate of survival for cancer was 80%, the figure was lower in the country.
“In Malaysia the survival rate is only 50% because Malaysians still associate cancer with death and so they do not do anything about it, such as seeking treatment early,” she said.
Dr Saunthari was speaking to the press during a visit by ntv7's Trio cast to NCSM in Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.
Actresses Anita Baharom, Nurul Akma Afida Che Mat and Hani Kahusar toured the premises and were shown the Mammogram Centre, Bone Scanning Room, Resource and Wellness Centre and Children's Home of Hope. They also attended a short talk on breast cancer.
The stars will be leading a breast cancer awareness drive called “Trio and Friends - Take Charge!” which will take place at 1-Utama shopping complex (new wing) from Nov 18 to 20.
Established in 1966, NCSM is dedicated to saving lives from cancer, preventing cancer and improving the quality of life for sufferers and their families. Its operations are dependent on contributions from the public and corporate sector.