SEMINAR ON COMMON CHILDHOOD
HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES
30 October 2019
Group photography session among the speakers and participants
Dr Yan (left) and Prof Cheong delivering the welcome remarks
(From left to right): Assist Prof. Dr. Veronica Poulsaeman, Dr. Loh
C-Khai, Dr. Teh Kok Hoi, Emeritus
Professor Dr. Boo Nem Yun, Professor Ts. Dr. Lim Yang Mooi and Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Yan Naing Soe
Assist Prof. Dr. Veronica Poulsaeman (UTAR) delivering her talk
Dr. Loh C-Khai (HUKM) delivering his talk
Dr. Teh Kok Hoi (HKL) delivering his talk
Students during the Q&A session
Participants listening attentively during the seminar
The Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised a seminar ‘Common Childhood Haematological Malignancies’ at Multi-Purpose Hall, Sungai Long Campus on 30 October 2019.
This seminar opens to the public, staff and the postgraduate students to meet the expert. Present at the talk were Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, CCR Chairperson Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Organising Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Yan Naing Soe, Emeritus Prof Dr Boo Nem Yun, participants staff and students. The objectives of the event were 1) to create awareness on childhood haematological malignancies and 2) to discuss the utility of latest technologies and experiments in childhood haematological malignancy treatment.
The speakers for the seminar were Assist Prof. Dr. Veronica Poulsaeman (UTAR), Dr. Loh C-Khai (HUKM) and Dr. Teh Kok Hoi (HKL).
The event’s highlights include topics such as Approach to a Child with Haematological Malignancies, Principles of Management of Childhood Leukaemias, and Principles of Management of Childhood Lymphomas.
UTAR FMHS lecturer Dr Veronica Poulsaeman gave the first talk titled “Approach to a Child with Haematological Malignancies”. In her talk, she shared the definition of haematological malignancy, classification and overview of leukaemia, symptoms of leukaemia, physical examination, chloroma, Leukaemia-differential diagnosis and the overview of lymphoma. Dr Veronica said, “Haematological malignancy is a collective term for neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Leukaemia is the most common cancer among children worldwide and also Malaysia. Nearly 400 children per year are diagnosed with blood cancer in Malaysia.”
Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer Dr Loh C-Khai presented her talk titled, “Principles of Management of Childhood Leukaemia”. She spoke about the types of childhood leukaemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia treatment, prognosis factors, risk stratification, chemotherapy regiment, Acute Myeloid leukaemia and supportive care. Dr Loh said, “Most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia do not stem from an inherited genetic predisposition but from somatic genetic alterations. The principle of the chemotherapy regime is to induce remission, to maintain remission by systemic chemotherapy and prophylactic CNS therapy and to treat the complications of therapy and of the disease.”
Hospital Wanita & Kanak-Kanak Kuala Lumpur Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist Dr Teh Kok Hoi presented the third talk titled “Principles of Management of Childhood Lymphomas”. In his talk, he said, “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is usually seen among school-going children with a relatively slow-growing neck mass. The investigation using PET-CT provides morphologic information which is more sensitive than BMA. However, it is only available in very few centres and it is difficult to arrange in a timely manner.” He also spoke about the incidence of childhood cancer in Malaysia, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, diagnostic investigation and treatment aim.
Raising the awareness of Genitourinary Cancer
18 October 2018
Prof Lim (front row, fifth from left) with all the guests, speakers and participants
UTAR Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised the Genitourinary Cancer Awareness Seminar on 18 October 2018 at Sungai Long Campus.
At the seminar, CCR Chairperson-cum-Postgraduate Programmes Head Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi gave opening remarks on behalf of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng. “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. In this year alone, the estimation of cancer death is about 10 million in number and this number keeps on increasing,” she said, adding that approximately 70 percent of deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, the seminar was held to tackle the problem by educating, promoting and understanding the importance of healthy lifestyle.
Prof Lim also highlighted the importance of preventing cancer and encouraged the participants to get screening tests regularly. She hoped that the participants will benefit greatly from the seminar. She also believes that cancer is avoidable, preventable, treatable and curable. “We should have the thought that we can fight cancer as long as we have the knowledge and understanding of carcinogenesis,” she said.
On the other hand, Organising Chairperson Prof Dr Swaminathan Manickam expressed his gratitude to all the participants for their support. In his remarks, he explained that the purpose of having such seminar was to inform, educate, raise awareness, and inspire action for the public to reduce cancer.
The seminar saw a series of talks delivered by invited speakers, namely Consultant Urologist Dato’ Dr Selvalingam Sothilingam from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Medical Director Dr Murallitharan M. from National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), FMHS Clinical Assoc Prof Dr Thaw Zin, senior lecturer Dr Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar, Department of Physiotherapy Head Nizar Abdul Majeed Kutty and Senior Nutritionist Kenneth Low from NCSM.
Dato’ Dr Selvalingam highlighting the importance of early diagnosis
The first talk was presented by Dato’ Dr Selvalingam, where he provided an overview of Genitourinary Cancer, covering the different types of cancers such as renal cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, penile cancer and testicular cancer. He encouraged the participants to obtain an early diagnosis in order to detect the disease at an earlier stage as well as to increase the chances for successful treatment. “All Genitourinary Cancers are potentially curable by surgery. By diagnosing cancer earlier, the survival chance could be higher. Treatment of cancers at later stage can also be very costly. Therefore, awareness among the public and health care workers are important for early referral,” he said.
Dr Murallitharan conducting a quiz to tackle everyday stereotypes and misunderstanding of cancer
Another talk titled “Dealing with Cancer Pseudoscience” was presented by Dr Murallitharan. In his talk, he said, “When people are diagnosed with cancer, 30 percent goes missing; they stop or some don't even start their chemotherapy, while others don't show up for the surgery. Then they come back when the cancer has reached stage four, which is very late.” He raised the concern on the influence of pseudoscience and alternative medications that are not proven effective. According to him, the growth of Internet sources is making some of the public to seek alternative methods that are not clinically proven, risking their lives even more.
Dr Thaw encouraging participants to have a healthy lifestyle to prevent prostate cancer
Dr Mohammed delivering his talk on testicular tumour awareness
In Dr Thaw’s talk, he said that prostate cancer has no proven preventable methods. However, people can take steps that will be beneficial to the prostate, including a healthy diet, quality sleep, intermittent fasting and healthy sexual life. He also mentioned that alternative treatments are not proven to cure prostate cancer, but it may help to boost the morale and psychology of the patient. On the other hand, Dr Mohammed delivered his talk on testicular tumour awareness. According to him, testicular cancer is common among 15 to 35 years old, and hormonal cancer is more common in younger male as it is the period where the hormone activity is higher compared to older age. He highlighted that one of the most important prevention methods is to do a regular or monthly self-examination for any lump or pain in the area. Aside from that, men should also avoid tight clothing, avoid smoking, keep a good hygiene and a healthy diet.
Nizar explaining the importance of regular exercise and physical activity
Nizar delivered his talk with an emphasis on the benefits of exercise and oncology rehabilitation; while Kenneth Low explained the range of services to the public. The seminar also saw Wong Kuan Sing, a prostate cancer fighter, sharing his experience of living with prostate cancer. “When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was perfectly healthy. I did annual medical screening and in March 2010, they noticed my prostate enlarged,” he said. He was told that he had less than three years to live but now he is still actively fighting his cancer for eight years, surpassing the expectation. He shared with the participants about how his life has been changed by the cancer and how he fights against it.
Wong sharing his personal journey of fighting the disease
With the aim of increasing Malaysians’ knowledge about cancer and minimising cancer incidence as well as mortality, NCSM has offered Cancer Information Service (CIS), a national and multilingual helpline service that provides clear and credible information about cancer to cancer patients, their family and friends, the general public as well as healthcare professionals. To view more information, click https://www.cancer.org.my/about/what-we-do/support/cancer-information-service/.
HPV Infections and Cervical Cancer Awareness Seminar
in Conjunction with Stress Free Campaign
31st October – 1st November 2017, UTAR
Aimed to create public awareness about cervical cancer and to promote an understanding of healthy lifestyles. As part of CCR’s ongoing commitment to create cancer awareness, CCR has organised the HPV Infections and Cervical Cancer Awareness seminar in conjunction with Stress Free Campaign by the Department of Student Affairs Counselling & Guidance Unit. Talks were delivered on cervical cancer, focusing on promoting prevention through vaccination and healthy lifestyles.
During the event, National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) offered free health screening such as free check for Body Mass Index (BMI), cholesterol and glucose test, blood pressure check, Pap smear and breast screening along with the HPV Vaccination.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk
17 August 2017, UTAR
The centre has a long-term collaboration with Centre for Extension Education (CEE) to conduct talks on cancer for the Sungai Long community including UTAR staffs and students. This year CCR organised the Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk with the aims to increase public awareness on prostate health.
Clinical Prof Dr Swaminathan S. Manickam and Clinical Assoc Prof Dr Thaw Zin spoke on a few topics including the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and the risk factors of prostate cancer, the symptoms of prostate cancer, the available screening programmes and the general outline of the current treatment and management of prostate cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar
31 March 2016
Presentation of cheque to National Cancer Society of Malaysia
The UTAR Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) organised the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Seminar on 31 March 2016 at the Multi-purpose Hall in Sungai Long Campus.
The seminar aimed to create public awareness about colorectal cancer and to promote an understanding of healthy lifestyles in accordance with the CCR's commitment to educating the public on the importance of screening and prevention.
The seminar's chairperson, Sheela Devi in her opening speech said that World Cancer Day is a chance to make a change. There is much to be done to eradicate colorectal cancer and we must first understand that early detection can save lives. She also said that UTAR CCR has always shown support in order to bestow awareness of cancer and its prevention strategies.
"Awareness is very important. In UTAR we not only encourage staff and students to do research in cancer, but also to go out and get involved with society to heighten awareness," said UTAR Vice-President R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei in his speech. He also said that medical expenses can be reduced if society learns to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The one day seminar comprised of six talks, which include "Colorectal Cancer: A Lifestyle Cancer", "Updates on Colorectal Cancer", "Cancer Prevention using Traditional Chinese Medicine", "Bowel Screening for Colorectal Cancer", Benefits of Probiotics on Gut Health", and "Benefits of Exercise & Oncology Rehabilitation for Colorectal Cancer".
Centre for Cancer Research Chairperson Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi introduced the six speakers who were experts in their respective fields, namely National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Cancer and Health Screening Clinic Head Dr Dalilah Kamaruddin, KPJ Kajang Specialist Hospital Consultant General, Gastrointestinal, Endo-laparospic Minimally surgeon Dr S. Kumar, National Cancer Institute, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Unit Head Dr Lim Ren Jye, UTAR Department of Medicine Head Prof Dr Shelly Soo, Chr. Hansen sales manager in Asean region Cheah Tien Keat, and UTAR Physiotherapy lecturer Imtiyaz Ali.
"By coming to this seminar, we have learnt how to give correct information to the patients and society," said Aisyah, a nurse from the National Cancer Institute. Her colleague Haslina added that they learned from the seminar new techniques to handle patients in certain cases and that the talks really helped them in their line of work.
During the seminar, Prof Lee presented a cheque worth RM1,048 by UTAR CCR to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. The donation came from 50 percent of the proceeds from sales of cancer support ribbons.The participants in the seminar came from the National Cancer Institute, Tung Shin Hospital, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Sungai Long Medical Center, and UCSI University, besides those from UTAR and the public.
Opening speech by Sheela Devi
Prof Lee addressing the audience
From left: Sheela Devi, Imtiyaz, Prof Lim, Prof Lee, Dr Dalilah, and Prof Soo
Prof Lim introducing the speakers
Dr Dalilah presenting her talk "Colorectal Cancer: A Lifestyle Cancer"
Participants in a short activity by Dr Dalilah
Dr S. Kumar giving updates on colorectal cancer
Dr S. Kumar leading a discussion session with the audience
Dr Lim explaining the role of Chinese Medicine
Prof Soo explaining the types of bowel screening tests
Cheah elucidating the benefits of probiotics
Participants jotting down important notes
An exhibition booth by the National Cancer Institute
Colorectal cancer models
Sungai Long Medical Center delegates
Nurses from the National Cancer Institute
The backbone of the seminar, the organising committee
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
28 November 2015: [Talk]
Breast cancer is found to be the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. To raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment, a series of talks was organised during the 'Breast Cancer Awareness Day' on 28 November 2015 at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long campus. The half-day event was organised by Centre for Extension Education (CEE) in collaboration with Centre for Cancer Research (CCR), Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) and Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).
Participants performing breast self-examination through 'look' or visual inspection
The event started with a talk by Professor Dr. Lim Yang Mooi from the Department of Pre-clinical Sciences, UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Prof. Lim, who is also the Chairperson of CCR, provided general information about cancer, including types of cancer, risk factors of getting cancer, cancer prevention and types of treatment. For a better understanding of the disease, Prof. Lim played a video clip on how the unregulated cancer cells work together and cause cancer. Subsequently she showed some photos of different types of cancer such as nose, eye, bone and lung cancer and highlighted the cancer causing factors to the audience. She added, "The chances of a person getting the disease is higher if he or she undergoes an extreme level of stress, lack of rest or sleep, or due to genetics". She claimed that prevention offered the most cost-effective long-term strategy to control cancer and reduce the incidence of cancer. Hence, the audience was advised to consume more healthy food like vegetables, fruits and grains, exercise for 30 to 45 minutes 5 times a week, and also have enough sleep. Cancer could be treated through four methods which are Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Conventional medicine which aim to improve patients' quality of life. As such, there is no need to isolate oneself or be afraid of cancer. "It's your responsibility to take care of yourself!" Prof Lim said in concluding her talk.
The second session proceeded with a talk by Ms. Jayanthi Marimuthu, a lecturer from UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She explained about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) which includes observation and palpation to detect any changes or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of malignant cancer. "Women should check their breast few days after the menstrual period and the first day of each month if they have reached menopause as it helps to detect cancer at an early stage without any cost and it could save your life," she advised. Besides that, she taught the audience how to perform BSE using two basic steps which are, 'look' or visual inspection, and 'feel'. "The abnormal findings which would be seen are lumps, bumps, or thickening, change in skin colour or texture, bloody or greenish discharge and others," she highlighted. In conclusion, she advised the audience to familiarise themselves with the abnormal changes on their breasts and to examine their breasts regularly.
Booths at the event
The final session was an introduction of Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) Malaysia by Puan Hjh. Mariyana Bt Hj Abu Bakar. According to her, the organisation functions as an agent in creating awareness on breast cancer among Malaysians. "We educate the society and provide breast cancer related social services throughout Peninsular Malaysia," she shared. The audience was encouraged to visit the BCWA booth at the event for a free check-up. Concurrently, there were also booths selling food and providing free basic medical check-ups on glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and Pap smear. One of the participants, Ms Tan John Ho said, "I gained knowledge on breast cancer and learnt some methods to prevent it."