Breast Cancer Welfare Association: Giving Hope in Darkest Times (2024)

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Malaysian women. 1 in 19 women in the country are at risk of developing this deadly disease. In 2021 alone, Malaysia recorded a whopping 48,639 new cancer cases. It’s fortunate that we have so many online support groups for cancer patients to help victims find the strength to keep fighting. One such group that has been tirelessly attempting to change these alarming stats is the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA). Read on to learn more about them and what they do. BCWA: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page True to their name, the BCWA is a non-government organisation dedicated to spreading awareness of breast cancer and providing much needed emotional, material and social support to those affected by the disease. The organisation was founded in 1986 by medical specialists to provide peer support for women with breast cancer. It is a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and Reach to Recovery International (RRI). With over 30 years of experience and contribution, BCWA is probably one of the oldest breast cancer support groups in Malaysia. And they are still offering their invaluable services to those in need till this day. Here are just some of their activities and events. Community Support Probably one of BCWA’s most significant and impactful initiatives are their support services. BCWA offers psychosocial and material support for individuals affected by breast cancer and their family members before, during and after treatment. A Patient Support Team (PST) visits newly diagnosed patients at hospitals, gives support through the phone and social media. They also conduct monthly group therapy sessions. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page These Services that not only extend to material support (temporary prostheses, loans wigs and sells affordable mastectomy bras) but also to education and mental health. Health talks, peer counselling, therapy sessions, survival tips and infographics are just some of the ways BCWA spreads awareness. It’s important to note that despite having the disease, breast cancer patients still require guidance and knowledge on how to navigate their condition. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page Topics that are often discussed in webinars and online classes include stress management, financial planning, dietary advice, physical fitness and maintaining relationships. There’s more to fighting cancer than getting treatment. Survivorship Support BCWA also organises survivorship programmes often to provide emotional and social support to former breast cancer patients. Even after being in remission, cancer survivors still have to heal from their treatments and BCWA brings together these strong women so they can move forward hand in hand. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page These survivorship programs involve rehabilitation, recreation and sports activities. They include therapeutic and educational sessions, dragon boat paddling (Pink Challengers), bowling (Pink Power) and singing (Pink Melody), among others. A good way to bond and share your experience, with all the strength and wisdom of an entire community behind you. Conversely, survivors are also welcome to share their stories and to volunteer to be peer counsellors. To be a part of therapy and talk sessions. To help current breast cancer patients deal with their condition and offer their insight, advice and wisdom on topics that are truly important. Public Education and Outreach Programmes As part of BCWA’s long-term goal of reducing breast cancer fatalities in the country, their second initiative is organising community outreach programmes. These are primarily conducted by both their nurses and volunteers in an effort to promote awareness of early detection, breast self-examination and timely medical treatment. All important factors that can help reduce the risk of premature death from breast cancer. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page The nurses conduct clinical breast examinations in BCWA’s mobile clinic, MURNI (Mobile Unit Reaching Nationwide with Information). Programmes are conducted at villages, community centres, factories, shopping malls, academic institutions and workplaces. Philanthropic Activities BCWA also regularly hosts various philanthropic activities to help fund their awareness campaigns and support efforts. Part of the proceeds and donations also go to charitable causes like cancer research. Being an NGO, this is how BCWA can continue helping others in need. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page Their recent charity events included a run for charity, a charity golf tournament, a charity bowling competition, a fund raiser high-tea, and a charity dinner to help underprivileged cancer patients. United Against Breast Cancer Cancer is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate. So, victims of this disease need all the help they can get. But support groups like BCWA play a more important role than just emotional or social support. Image credit: Breast Cancer Welfare Association Facebook page Their outreach programs are instrumental in spreading awareness of breast cancer. Allowing more people to educate themselves on early detection, which can prove life-saving in the long-run. Early diagnosis equals early treatment and higher chances of recovery. Thus, potentially reducing the number of breast cancer deaths in Malaysia. You can contact them at 03-7954 0133, via email, join their Facebook group for all their latest updates, events and classes. Let us do our part in reducing the number of breast cancer casualties in the country and spread word of the amazing work BCWA is doing. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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