The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, under the distinguished Patronage of the late YAB Tun Abdul Razak, was inaugurated in 1966.
The following is a brief outline of the activities of NCSM since its inception:
1. The Society recognized the needs of cancer patients coming to KL for radiation treatment and assisted them by providing rooms in various hotels around the General Hospital. NCSM subsequently refurbished two wards and provided 80 hostel type places for patients coming to KL for treatment. These wards were eventually handed over to the Ministry of Health.
2. The Society noted with concern that patients with cancer of the uterine cervix were presenting for treatment at a very late stage. As no facility was available, NCSM, with the cooperation of The Institute for Medical Research and the late Dr. Ungku Omar, opened the first cytology-screening centre at the IMR. This resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of advanced cases of cancer of the uterine cervix.
This service was extended to Penang, Ipoh and Johor Bharu and made available to all the Family Planning Associations.
The Ministry of Health, having noted the success of this programme implemented a similar programme and eventually the screening centre, run by the Society, was handed over to the Ministry of Health.
3. Once again in 1983, NCSM recognized the increasing incidence of cancer. This time breast cancer. They established the first Mammography Screening Centre in South East Asia. This centre has two dedicated mammography machines and an ultrasound system. A Consultant Radiologist, a female medical officer, 2 radiographers, a nurse coordinator and other supporting staff man the Centre.
The Women’s Cancer Detection and Breast Clinic is a one-stop women’s centre and services here include mammography examination, x-ray, ultrasound, Pap smear test and bone density tests.
Counselling and supportive services such as breast prosthesis fittings and teaching of breast self examination is also provided.
NCSM constantly upgrade and replace their equipment to maintain the highest standard of diagnostic service available to women in Malaysia.
4. A Cancer Treatment Centre was established as the Society noted the increasing number of patients that needed radiation treatment, both in its curative and palliative aspect. This Centre provides radiation treatment at a minimum cost or, if necessary, at subsidized rates.
It is equipped with two 6 MeV linear accelerators with electron beam facilities, a simulator, a computerized treatment planning system, caesium for intracavitary radiation and a high dose rate brachytherapy system for the management of malignancies. Four radiation oncologists, radiographers, a physicist and other supporting staff man the Centre.
5. In 1997 The Children’s Home of Hope was opened on the 4th floor of the National Cancer Society Building in Kuala Lumpur. This was in response to requests by Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Raja Khuzaiah Razak who was having problems accommodating children with cancer who needed follow up treatment at the Paediatric Institute of the Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Funds were raised through appeal letters, fundraising events and a grant from the Ministry of Finance.
This home provides accommodation that is affordable, pleasant and easily accessible for patients and their parents coming from outstation for treatment and follow up.
It costs the Society approximately RM12, 000/- per month to run the Home
6. In 1998 a Nuclear Medicine Centre was opened. A grant from the Ministry of Finance allowed NCSM to purchase a gamma camera complete with shielding laboratory works and other accessories costing RM1.5 million. A Consultant in Nuclear Medicine, a senior medical technologist, a physicist and other supporting staff mans the Centre.
Nuclear medicine imaging is done to exclude distant metastasis before initiating surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
7. In 2001, NCSM and The Malaysian Radiological Society embarked on a campaign to promote and create awareness of breast cancer in women and to emphasize the importance of early detection. This was achieved through radio interviews, public talks, television discussions and articles in the press.
8. In March 2002, NCSM and The National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) launched Breast Self Examination Workshops. These are conducted at The National Cancer Society Building every month.
9. In October 2002, The Resource and Wellness Centre opened on the 1st floor of The National Cancer Society Building. This has been established to provide support and information for those diagnosed with cancer, their families and carers. Our mission is to enable individuals to empower themselves through learning wellness and life affirming strategies, as well as providing user friendly information about mainstream medicine, complementary treatments and new developments in cancer.
This Centre now runs weekly classes in Qigong, Relaxation and Meditation and Yoga. Nutrition advice is available and appointments can be made for Massage and Aromatherapy. Support Groups and peer counseling are also now available.
Three staff including a medical officer and a dietitian are available at the centre.
The Resource and Wellness Centre was officially opened by our Principal Patron Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz on 31 March 2003.
10. The National Cancer Society provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when recommended by the Medical Social Workers at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital UKM, Cheras. This may amount to thousands of ringgit annually.
Launching grants have also been given to help establish hospice movements in Klang, Melaka, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah.
11. NCSM is involved in Public Awareness and Education Programmes. They give talks and organize seminars and lectures. They are also involved in Medical Education; providing education to graduates and undergraduates and inviting eminent specialists from overseas to update medical specialists here in Malaysia on the latest trends in the management of cancer patients.
