PENANG Adventist Hospital (PAH) is encouraging everyone to make a personal commitment to take care of their health by going for a periodic check-up.
PAH chief executive officer Ronald Koh said one third of deaths from cancer are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks which are high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol.
“According to Malaysia National Cancer Registry (MNCR, 2012- 2016) published by the National Cancer Institute, more than half of the cancer cases are detected late at Stage III and IV.
“The finding also shows that the latter the cancer is detected, the lower the patient’s survival rate.
“We want to raise the awareness on cancer, educate public and support cancer patients to fight against cancer,’’ Koh said in a press conference today.
In conjunction with World Cancer Day which is observed on every Feb 4, the PAH will be organising the ‘World Cancer Day’ with the global theme ‘I Am and I Will’ on March 1.
The event will be held at the Pusat Agropelancongan Relau with the collaboration of the Man Man Market from 8am to 12pm.
According to Koh, there will be a ‘Meet the Expert’ Q & A session with consultants, family treasure hunt, complimentary health screening, healthy food cooking demo and many other interest activities at the event.
“The family treasure hunt will be conducted by PAH nutritionist team to educate participants on the knowledge of healthy lifestyle and health food,’’ he added.
The admission is free except for the family treasure hunt, and those who are interested can contact 04- 222 7709 or 222 7570.
Meanwhile, state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture, Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin commended the PAH for organising the event.
“I would like to also call upon other health institutions to come up with more programmes that would create awareness on the importance of taking care of one’s health as well as telling them the need to go for regular check-ups,’’ Yeoh said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Wo Yee Qi