MALACCA: The Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) Malacca Buddhist Association is co-organising a cancer awareness programme tomorrow to help those aged 40 years and above be aware of early warning signs and life-saving interventions through blood tests, medical talks as well as doctor consultations.

SKE president Tan Kim See urged residents to join the programme, stressing that opportunities for free medical screenings with consultations do not come often.

The event, in collaboration with Mahkota Medical Centre, will be held from 10.30am to 4pm in Wisma Seck Kia Eenh at Jalan Gajah Berang here.

“We believe that compassion extends beyond spiritual practice as it includes caring for the physical and mental well-being of our community," he said

“A couple of months ago, we organised free blood donation drives and dental check-ups. Now we are coming up with a cancer awareness programme.”

Meanwhile, SKE Cancer Fund chairman Kenny Khoo urged the public to seize this opportunity, pointing out that identifying cancer early would increase the chances of successful treatment.

“Many elderly residents may find it difficult to travel or afford regular health screenings, so now we made it for them within a trusted environment.

“Screening is not something to fear. It is an act of self-care and love for your family,” he said.

While many people have registered, SKE expects a lot of walk-ins.

Mahkota Medical Centre’s consultant clinical oncologist Dr Chong Kwang Jeat noted that cancer cases are rising due to negligence of the public in examining their health status.

Over 65% of cases in Malaysia are detected late mostly due to people fearing diagnosis or being unaware of the benefits of screening, he said.

“Many cancers progress silently. This session will help Malaysians understand warning signs and learn about modern, less-invasive treatments that lead to faster recovery and higher survival.

“Late-stage cancer means more aggressive treatment, higher costs, and lower survival. For example, early-stage breast cancer survival exceeds 85%, but drops below 25% when detected late” he said.

Chong will give a talk on how cancer develops and why early detection matters. Participants will also learn about which screenings suit their age as well as how new surgical advances shorten recovery periods.

The centre’s consultant general and colorectal surgeon Dr Ang Chin Wee stressed that cancer rates in Malaysia are showing an upward trend owing to lack of awareness and late detection.

He said only one in two women in the country develop breast cancer while one in eight men get cancer and also have to deal with issues of spitting suits that are heavy and rigid.

“The lifetime risk of developing cancer before age 75 is about 14.4%. Colorectal cancer makes up around 13.5% of new cases.

“Don’t wait for symptoms and remember that screening saves lives because it detects early lesions or polyps before symptoms.

“In fact, early surgery greatly improves survival and quality of life,” he said.