Japanese cancer advocates visit Melaka to spread awareness

ALOR GAJAH: Japanese cancer advocates visited Melaka for on-field experience and to spread awareness on the disease in the state.

Officials from Asia Cancer Forum (ACF) of Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, led by representative director Norie Kawahara held discussions with local organisations to foster close working relationships on disseminating cancer prevention awareness and programmes.

The entourage comprises Norie, ACF's senior research fellow Zen-U L. Hotta, project manager Shigeru Matsui, project researcher Shoji Mori accompanied by representatives from the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NSCM) first visited Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong at his service centre in Kampung Morten here on Thursday (Aug 3).

The group later visited The Star Media Group's Melaka Bureau office at Jalan Hang Tuah here and held a discussion on various topics relating to the media coverage on cancer.

The entourage was briefed on the role of the media in spreading cancer awareness and assisting past survivors to collect funds for their treatment.

Kawahara was also keen to know how ACF can work with local media to spearhead the awareness programmes to cover schools and the B40 group.

ACF was established more than a decade ago under the leadership of Dr Hideyuki Akaza, a professor in University of Tokyo to discuss cancer care in Asia.

Dr Akaza was engaged in various research and initiatives, including with the Union for International Cancer Control, UICC Asia Regional Office and many other organisations.

The entourage will meet Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB) local councillor Kon Qi Yao's on Friday (Aug 4).