National Cancer Society Malaysia wants females to be alert about cancer

The National Cancer Society Malaysia and Ministry of Health Malaysia have launched the "Be Cancer Alert" campaign alongside the University of Malaya, Monash University Malaysia and Queen’s University Belfast. This is in a bid to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and benefits of early detection in Malaysia.The campaign will run on TV, radio, print and social media until the end of November this year. Orion Digital and social intelligence agency WiseSight Malaysia are responsible for the campaign's digital and social media outreach, as well as awareness and analytics. Meanwhile, Superwonderful Films is responsible for the "Be Cancer Alert: Breast Cancer Awareness" TV commercial. A microsite by web developer Hafizi Fahmi Mokthar was also launched as part of the "Be Cancer Alert" campaign.Content for the campaign was adapted from successful campaigns that ran in Northern Ireland and further informed through feedback from focus group discussions. According to the discussions, survivors delivered the message via print and TV, of how women wanted to hear empowering and encouraging messages that cancer can be cured. Malaysian model and actress Amber Chia was the campaign ambassador.According to president and medical director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, nine out of 10 women can be cured if breast cancer is detected at an early stage. However, 43% of breast cancer cases are currently detected at a very late stage, reducing chances of survival.“The public needs to know that breast cancer can be cured if found and treated early.” she added.Founder and CEO of Orion Digital, Shanker Joyrama, said, “At Orion Digital, we recognise how important breast cancer awareness is as most of our team members are women. By being a part of this campaign, we want to take a stand in advocating for a cause that we truly believe in."