KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), supported by Pfizer, announced the launch of Malaysia’s first-ever digital lung cancer patient guide to empower society with the knowledge to recognise early warning signs and symptoms, understand indications for screening, make informed choices, as well as counter stigma and misconceptions about the disease and its treatments.
Launched in conjunction with Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, the patient guide was developed in English, Malay, and Mandarin as a digital resource to improve health literacy on lung cancer as well as to facilitate better communication between patients and their healthcare providers.
“A diagnosis of lung cancer is often unexpected and can be overwhelming. The vast volume of information available on the internet these days can be confusing, daunting, and even misleading. In a recent survey conducted by LCNM, 88% of respondents felt a lung cancer patient may have difficulty discussing their condition or feel lost and worried upon learning their diagnosis, whilst 61% acknowledged that poor awareness of the disease and available treatment options was a barrier to seeking early effective intervention¹,” said Dr Anand Sachithanandan, President of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia & Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
“The guide addresses common questions, misconceptions and concerns people often have upon diagnosis. The treatment landscape for lung cancer is rapidly changing, for the better. We hope this guide will help demystify the disease and empower patients to make informed decisions and appropriate choices on their cancer journey, with guidance from their doctor,” said Dr Anand Sachithanandan.
In addition to the patient guide, the #KeepBreathing campaign by LCNM and Pfizer continues its efforts in closing the knowledge gap about lung cancer. In September 2021, an online survey was conducted to examine health literacy levels among Malaysians about lung cancer, behavioural patterns, and their perceptions of the disease.
“We undertook this survey to understand and address gaps in the lung cancer dialogue across a spectrum of respondents. Raising public awareness that lung cancer can strike people who have never smoked, and former smokers who quit many years ago challenges negative stereotypes, and shifts blame away from the patient,” said Dr Tho Lye Mun, Vice President of LCNM & Clinical Oncologist at the #KeepBreathing virtual media event.
“It is also important to draw the public’s attention to new advances in research and treatment to bring messages of hope and survival to the lung cancer community. Notably, many lung cancer patients continue to live well after their diagnosis owing to medical advances. One of the most exciting advances in lung cancer research is the development of new targeted therapies. These are medicines directed to specific proteins that arise from mutations in the DNA of the tumour that make the cancer grow. This helps us to use treatments that are individualised for that particular person,” added Dr Tho.
To download the lung cancer patient guide, please visit www.lungcancer.net.my.
Download the press kit with hi-res photos and full survey results HERE
About Lung Cancer Network Malaysia
Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) is a non-commercial not-for-profit, national level disease-centric non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated solely and exclusively to addressing all aspects and all stages of lung cancer here in Malaysia including preventative strategies, screening of high risk individuals, diagnosis, staging and treatment with both a curative and palliative intent. Our multi-disciplinary network includes highly trained medical specialists (from the public and private healthcare sectors) and allied healthcare professionals including dietitians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and psychologists. LCNM seeks to improve outcomes through advocacy, education and awareness for both the Malaysian public and primary care (general practice) doctors. We aim to promote evidence based scientific recommendations in an unbiased and easily understood manner to help patients & their families, doctors and other caregivers better navigate their treatment journey. For more information about LCNM, please visit https://lungcancer.net.my/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
About National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM)
Established in 1966, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) is the first not-for-profit cancer organisation in Malaysia that provides education, care and support services for people affected by cancer. Over the past 55 years, NCSM has provided holistic cancer support to patients and caregivers in understanding and dealing with cancer in various phases, through its Cancer and Health Screening Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Resource and Wellness Centre, the Adults’ Home of Hope and Children’s Home of Hope. For Cancer Information and Support, please call 1-800-88-1000, email help@cancer.org.my or visit www.cancer.org.my.
Pfizer Inc.: Breakthroughs that change patients' lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.
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