“You are not alone.”
That is the message that the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA) hopes to share with those diagnosed with cancer.
Its new president, Kim Lim, said BCWA is ready to lend a helping hand, as a good “support system” is crucial in any recovery process.
“To survive breast cancer or any other form of cancer, requires help from the medical profession, loved ones, and those who have experienced it,” said Kim, herself, a breast cancer survivor.
“If they need someone to talk to, they can come to us. Breast cancer can strike anyone – even men – and no one knows what causes it.
“At BCWA, we offer psychosocial support via counselling, and activities such as bowling, hiking and walking, and dragon boat races.
“The message is that having breast cancer is not a death sentence.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, BCWA organised online educational talks about early diagnosis of cancer, until the later stages, so patients know what kind of help is available.
Kim said speaking to others who had gone through the process would help allay patients’ fears, as many are scared or worried that it would be too painful.
“Some are worried about the cost – breast cancer treatment can cost upwards of RM300,000.
“So much so, that they try alternative medicine due to bad advice from people who, while well-meaning, are not well-informed,” said Kim.
“There are financial options to the treatment, so it is good to speak to those who have gone down that path.
“It is different speaking to family members or friends who have not gone through the agony of receiving the bad news and thinking your life is over.”
Kim was quick to add that the support of a loving family and a strong support system are crucial in the recovery process.
“It is not only about ourselves as breast cancer survivors, but it is also about the caregivers.
“It is not easy being caregivers, as they, too, go through the same emotional turmoil. They need to be strong and stay positive, as well.
“Go out and do things together that drive the right kind of partnership and friendship. We need each other to survive.”
Separately, a team of four BCWA bowlers finished second in the National Press Club (NPC)-QI Inter Media Bowling Championship at Sunway Mega Lanes, in Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, on Saturday.
The four – Amnah Salleh, Heng Wei Wah, Angeline Lim Sook Peng and Molly Tap Ah Mooi – all cancer survivors – finished behind Milo, and ahead of QI Group (IT), in the sponsors’ category.
The New Straits Times Press-MyQaseh team emerged as the winner in the media category. Bernama Outlaws-Crescent Digital took the second spot, while Buletin Utama TV3 won third place.
