KUALA LUMPUR: The National Cancer Society Malaysia (MAKNA) will hold its first MAKNA Open Day at AEON Taman Maluri in conjunction with its 28th anniversary consisting of various initiatives and services aimed at creating cancer awareness.
Among the services provided are free clinical breast examination, yoga sessions and cancer awareness exhibition including a special sharing session titled "Breast Cancer in Women and Men" with breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
MAKNA Medical Officer Dr Muhammad Faiz Mohammad Taib said people are aware of cancer but they do not practice regular screening due to personal reasons.
"For example, statistics have shown the percentage of stage three and four breast cancer in Malaysia has increased compared to five years ago.
"This shows that more people are being diagnosed but most of them would have already been in serious condition by then. We should know more about it but statistics have shown otherwise," he said.
MAKNA'S Head of Department (Services) Imelda Suhanti Ishak said one of the initiatives provided during the open day is the MAKNA Bursary Programme where underprivileged cancer patients can apply for essential needs.
"They can apply for financial assistance, non-formulary drugs, supplementary milk, protheses and others.
"Through the MAKNA Bursary Programme, can help ease cancer patients' concerns and allow them to focus on their cancer treatment.
"Thanks to the idea of creating a cancer-centred charity that was first mooted in 1994, now we can provide these multifaceted services to help cancer patients," she said.
Meanwhile, MAKNA communication executive Sophia Ivy Jo hoped the programme would garner more donors on top of its initial aim to create awareness.
"We are thankful for donors because, without their assistance, cancer patients would not receive the treatment and financial assistance that they rightfully deserve.
