13th GM / Cancer Awareness Talk

Reported by Rtr Susan

I remember ten years back, cancer is something distant to me; it is not something that I heard of everyday. But today, it is a rising health problem in the country. We can find cancer awareness campaigns being organized almost everywhere around the globe, not only by government organizations and NGOs but even by celebrities. Despite all that, how much do we really know about cancer? Are we exposing ourselves to the danger of it everyday and what can we do about it?

Our guest speaker, Dr George Taye

And during our 13th GM we had a privilege to have Dr. George Taye to answer all our queries. Dr. George is currently a general physician from Melaka General Hospital and one of his major lines of work involves treating cancer patients. Last Thursday, he had kindly taken a time off his busy schedule to give us an insight on cancer.

In the talk, we were informed that it is necessary to know our own risk factors in getting a cancer. Some of the risk factors such as age, sex and family medical history cannot be changed but there is something we can do about those risk factors that are closely related to our lifestyle choices including smoking, alcohol intake, physical inactivity and dietary factors. Others are linked to cancer causing factors in the environment such as being a secondary smoker, chemicals and radiations around us as well as certain viruses and bacteria. For those who love satay and barbequed food, it is good to know that there is no scientific prove to relate these foods as a risk factor but then bear in mind that these food are fatty; so consume wisely.

Some of us during the talk

Early detection is vital in cancer treatment, that’s why it is important to go for screening accordingly. Depending on your age and risk factors, doctor may begin screening you for certain types of cancer. For those with a family history of cancer, it is recommended to get a regular screening. But with so many choices available, please consult your doctor before undergoing any screening. One of the important things that Dr. George told us is that; get to know your own body. Once you know what is normal, then it is easier for you to identify any lumps or unusual growth on your body. So self examine your own body monthly, especially for the ladies.

Thank you, Dr George Taye

Lastly, I think it’s not too late to add ‘live a healthy lifestyle’ into your resolutions list for this year. So stop smoking, watch what you are eating and exercise regularly; if that body is going to last you another 30 to 40 years you better treat it well because all the money in the world cannot buy you a replacement.