RELAY FOR LIFE 2018
SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT RELAY FOR LIFE 2018
7 OCTOBER 2018
USM, Penang
Dato’ Seri Dr T. Devaraj
Chairman of Relay For Life Penang & Chairman of National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch
Professor Dato’ Dr. Adnan Hussein
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Development Affairs & Alumni Division, USM
Dato’ Sharom Ahmat
Chairman, Penang Hospice Society
Corporate sponsors
USM community
Distinguished guest
Members of media
Ladies and gentlemen
A very good afternoon to everyone.
First and foremost, I would like to thank the organisers, the National Cancer Society Malaysia Penang Branch and the Penang Hospice Society, with the support of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for inviting me to be part of the Relay for Life Penang 2018 campaign, which is now in its 14th year in Penang.
This annual campaign reflects the extraordinary unity and effort by the community to create awareness and fight against cancer and I’m honoured to be part of this special campaign. I believe that we all have, in one way or another, came across this disease either directly or indirectly in our daily lives. It may be through friends, families, loved ones or even personal experiences with cancer.
No one is spared from the risk of being affected by this disease and so campaigns like the Relay for Life is such an important event to gather us all to learn and create awareness about cancer. Together, we have the strength, abilities, resources and influence to face the challenges of this disease.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Nearly every family in the world is affected by cancer, which is now responsible for almost one in every six deaths globally. Based on the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) report, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015.
Further statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised cancer agency of the WHO revealed that in year 2012, despite having 14.1 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer deaths, there were 32.6 million people living with cancer within 5 years of diagnosis worldwide. So, what can we infer from this global data? It tells us that despite the increasing trend of cancer-related deaths, cancer is NOT a death sentence.
In Malaysia, IARC Globocan 2012 reported that there were approximately 37,000 new cancer cases and 22,000 cancer-related deaths. The latest statistics that we have currently from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2007 – 2011 stated that the risk of males getting cancer was 1 in 10 and for females was 1 in 9.
The five most common causes of cancers among males were cancers of colorectal, lung, nasopharynx, lymphoma and prostate. As for females, the five most common cancers were breast cancer, colorectal, cervix, ovaries, and lungs.
The word cancer is commonly heard today, and it brings fear to everyone. However, we must remember that when all seem lost, there is always hope no matter how small it may be. World Cancer Day is celebrated on the 4th of February every year and this year WHO highlighted that “cancer no longer needs to be a death sentence, as the capacity exists to reduce its burden and improve the survival and quality of life of people with the disease”.
30–50% of cancers can currently be prevented through healthy lifestyle practices as the WHO reported that around one third of deaths from cancer are due to (1) smoking (2) low fruit and vegetable intake, (3) overweight (4) lack of physical activity and (5) alcohol use. Smoking itself is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths and is the most important risk for cancer.
Early detection can also improve the outcome of cancer. Thus, all of us have a responsibility to see a doctor if we have symptoms or go for regular medical check - ups. In Malaysia almost two third of patients with cancer are diagnosed at stage three or four whereas in developed countries only about a third are diagnosed late. Cancer treatment will be more effective if it is treated earlier.
I understand that the Relay for Life is a worldwide movement started in 1985 aiming to spread the key messages about cancer as well as raise much needed funds for cancer services. Beyond that, it is also about remembering those who have lost their lives to cancer and celebrating cancer survivors or those who are continuing their battle with cancer. It is the time to honour all those involved including caregivers who have provided countless hours of care and support.
Such commitment is very important to keep hope alive. Most importantly, these efforts must be continued to bring goodness and more support to the public. We are proud that in Penang, we have active non-profit societies like the NCSM Penang Branch and Penang Hospice Society that constantly provide accessible free services and support to anyone who needs them. We all must work closely to ensure that this movement keeps moving forward and never stops.
Once again I would like to thank the National Cancer Society of Malaysia Penang Branch, Penang Hospice Society, University Sains Malaysia, all organisations and individuals who have contributed to make the Relay for Life 2018 campaign possible in Penang.
I’m truly honoured to be a part this campaign and, on that note, I hereby officiate the Relay for Life Penang 2018 today.
Thank you.