Cultivating Cancer Awareness Among the NUMed Community
In October, the Foundation team organised a Cancer Awareness Week to educate, engage, and empower the NUMed community in the fight against cancer.
8 November 2023
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia’s (NUMed) Foundation team organised a Cancer Awareness Week from 23 to 27 October 2023. The week-long initiative was aimed at educating, engaging, and empowering the NUMed community in the fight against cancer.
The programme line-up throughout the week was structured to provide a balanced mix of information dissemination, hands-on learning, and engagement to raise awareness and encourage active participation and collaboration among students, staff, and visitors. The activities included a Cancer Awareness Booth, where visitors were able to learn more about the disease; Poster Presentation showcasing informative and eye-catching facts related to cancer awareness; and Oncology Games that allowed participants to test their knowledge of cancer-related anatomy.
The Cancer Awareness Booth was the heart of the event, with informative materials, resources, and interactive displays set up to provide valuable information on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
The Poster Presentations allowed students to showcase their findings and insights on various aspects of cancer. These ranged from the causes and risk factors of the disease to innovative treatment methods, providing an informative platform for knowledge sharing.
The Oncology Games, on the other hand, offered an educational and engaging avenue for participants to test their knowledge of human anatomy, with a focus on the role of different body systems in cancer development. These activities fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and interactive learning. A telematch added a fun and competitive element to the week, encouraging participants to engage in exciting physical and mental challenges.
Those who took part in the games and activities had a chance to win mystery gifts. Everybody was also encouraged to wear something pink throughout the week to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, a fundraiser was held for the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF). The outcome was immensely rewarding, with students and lecturers alike donating generously to the foundation.
According to Ms Ainul Farhana, the Chairperson of the event and Foundation Lecturer, “The success of this event, in my eyes, lies not just in the numbers but in the impact it has had on our students and staff. Witnessing the enthusiastic participation and engagement of our students, as well as the support of our esteemed staff, has truly been inspiring. It's a reminder that when we come together as a community, we can achieve remarkable things.”
Expressing her pride at the journey the students undertook to bring the event to life, she added, “As we reflect on this event's success, I am reminded of the power of education and awareness in making a positive impact on our world. I am excited to see how our students will carry this torch forward and continue to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”
