Passing of the baton at the Blue Cap Relay Run for Prostate Cancer at Universiti Malaya. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Event raises awareness of prostate cancer, funds for early detection programme
AFTER a five-year hiatus, the Blue Cap Relay Run was staged by Universiti Malaya (UM) to create awareness about prostate cancer.
The run was part of the Beat Prostate Cancer campaign launched by the Urological Cancer Trust Fund at UM.
It drew 944 participants, with the youngest only four years old and the oldest 86 years old.
All funds collected will be channelled to the Beat Prostate Cancer programme which aims to encourage early detection.
The relay was done in teams of three where each participant was required to run 3km around the UM campus before passing the baton to the next team member.
UM board chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, who was present, commended the Urological Cancer Trust Fund for organising the relay as part of its mission to combat late detection of prostate cancer among Malaysians.
“The Beat Prostate Cancer campaign enables our academic staff and students to use their talent to support public welfare.
Nicol (right) participating in the relay.
“Via this campaign, we hope to initiate Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to community members, especially the underprivileged.
“We are looking to organise a month-long campaign in November each year to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
"We also plan to provide general practitioners with the necessary skills to diagnose prostate cancer early,” she said.
Zarinah was impressed by the participants’ enthusiasm, especially the cancer survivors.
“These survivors are living proof that early detection can save many lives.
“Together with their families, they remind us why it is important for all of us to support the Beat Prostate Cancer campaign.”
Participants, including cancer survivors and their families, gathering at the event.
Urological Cancer Trust Fund chairman Prof Dr April Camilla Roslani said the fund’s objectives involved engaging with the public and facilitating early detection through targeted community screening.
“With early intervention, 90% of prostate cancer patients can be cured,” she said.
She also encouraged women to carry the message to the men in their circles about prostate cancer.
Also at the event were former world squash champion Datuk Nicol David, Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tony Fernandes, Ikhlas Capital chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak and comedian Harith Iskander.
Nicol said, “Events like this should be held more often to bring people together to push the message on important causes.”
Dennies Teng, 61, who is a nasal cancer survivor, said he joined this relay to support the community.
“There are cancer patients who are feeling lost. I hope they know they are not alone.”
