By Dr Evelyn Ho, Editor, Radiology Malaysia

Coalitions can be defined as an alliance or union between groups, factions or parties for some temporary and specific reason. It could also mean a fusion or merging into one body mass but for the context of cancer coalitions, the former is probably more accurate. Advocacy is action directed at changing policies, positions or programmes. It also means to speak up for, to plead the case of another or to champion a cause. One of the ways to advocate is through coalitions of groups concerned with the same issue.  

In Malaysia, many bodies which deal with cancer patients (medical/health professionals, alternative and complementary medicine practitioners, support groups and others) seem to be working independently of each other. There is sometimes duplication of efforts and each group comes up with its own resources as well as materials such as educational leaflets. 

For more efficient and effective use of resources and to maximise benefit of all these individual efforts, forging a coalition seems prudent. At the end of the day, we are all looking at the same goal (in a broad sense, although each cancer support group may have its own preferred area) and it makes sense to work together to achieve those goals and attain higher levels that would not be possible alone! It also means sponsors may be able to make those hard earned and “donated” Ringgit Malaysia go a longer way. Interested individuals can get into the act.

An example would be the National Breast Cancer Coalition – USA. This is a grassroots advocacy effort in the fight against breast cancer. It was formed in 1991 with one mission, to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy. This network of activists includes more than 500 organisations and 60,000 individuals. Since its inception, it has brought about fundamental change, increased US Federal appropriations for breast cancer research six-fold and has brought breast cancer to the forefront of the American nation’s agenda. (www.natlbcc.org)

Ms Ranjit Kaur, left, with NCWO President, Datin Paduka Seri Hajah Zaleha Ismail

On our home front, the Breast Cancer Welfare Association of Malaysia has already mentioned a National Breast Cancer Coalition. This concept was introduced at the close of the 1^st Asia Pacific Reach To Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference where YB Dato’ Shahrizat Abdul Jalil agreed to be patron to such a coalition.

Quoting Ms Ranjit Kaur, the Chairperson of the 1^st Asia Pacific Reach To Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference in August 2002, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is to ensure that by working together, the various member organisations of the Coalition will campaign for improvement in breast cancer services. The aims of the Coalition are to ensure access to information, early detection, treatment and support for breast cancer patients; to lobby for the development of legislation and policies for women at risk and for women with breast cancer; to engage in and encourage research and local studies on the various aspects of breast cancer.

What of the other cancers – don’t they need some kind of body to improve the level and quality of care, support and treatment too? That’s where a National Cancer Coalition (NCC) comes in. More on this can be read in the section on “A National Cancer Coalition?” by Deirdre Sidhu.

No doubt, the task at hand is daunting. These coalitions will take some time to set up and there will be many issues to iron out. It will need everyone’s commitment to make these coalitions a reality. If all the parties can agree to want to set up a coalition, we would have already taken the FIRST step. Then, it’s just putting one foot in front of the other until the Coalition materialises.

I shall be optimistic and hope that indeed the spirit of Malaysia Boleh will prevail.  

All organisations and bodies for cancer, cancer support groups, health care providers/professionals involved in the detection, care, treatment and support of cancers, volunteer and palliative care groups at various levels (national, state, regional, township) are encouraged to contact with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (for the NCC) and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (for the NBCC).

Queries and comments can for the moment be directed to webeditor@radiologymalaysia.org
 

By Deirdre Sidhu, Programme Director of the Resource and Wellness Centre, Kuala Lumpur, National Cancer Society of Malaysia

The National Cancer Society recognizes the need for combined national action. The government and non-government cancer councils, support groups, cancer hospitals and hospices can offer leadership through expertise and professional and community networks. Effective cancer prevention also requires leadership by government, to ensure infrastructure and resources for action. 

Reviews of success stories in prevention and treatment indicate that effectiveness depends on comprehensive approaches that had been implemented widely over substantial periods of time, with adequate resources, leadership and a sound research base. They point to the value of multi faceted approaches that span legislation and policy changes to protect people or reduce exposures and public communication strategies. 

It is perceived that the goal of the National Cancer Coalition would be to lead the development and promotion of national cancer control policy in Malaysia, in order to prevent cancer and reduce the illness, disability and death caused by cancer. It would act nationally to advise government and other bodies on appropriate practice and policies for the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and it would be an advocate for the rights of the cancer patient to best treatment and supportive care. 

It is intended to establish valued affiliations with national and international cancer organizations to further our shared objectives. We would contribute to federal government policy making through partnerships with government agencies and membership of government and non-government working parties and committees. In addition to developing nationwide initiatives and extending successful state programs nationally, the NCC would play an important role in enhancing relationships between our members, encouraging best practice and the exchange of information and ideas. 

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) invites any organisation involved in the management of cancer or support group, to be part of this coalition and to share in this vision for the future care and treatment of cancer patients in Malaysia. The College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia lends their full support for such a coalition.  

About Deirdre Sidhu
Deirdre is a dietitian, aromatherapist and masseur, with a postgraduate diploma in Health Promotion. She is also a breast cancer survivor.

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Last Updated:
Thursday, 21 August, 2003