The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

2019 • 08 08 Illuminating the lives of others As an oncologist, advising patients on treatment options is routine in Dr Ivan Shew Yee Siang’s professional capacity. However, when cancer patient Soo Kim Mooi approached him with suicidal thoughts, he went beyond the usual practice of prescribing treatment and referred her to the Tzu Chi Cancer Support Group. Although KimMooi eventually succumbed to cancer, her spirit lives on in her decision to donate her remains for the benefit of the Silent Mentor Programme. By Lim Li Tian Information compiled by Tan Kim Hion Translated by Kithanjeele Photograph by Tee Kim Wooi A ccording to research reports by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health from 2007 to 2011, about 20,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with cancer annually, of which the ratio of Chinese ranks the highest among Malaysia’s various ethnic groups. Moreover, cancer is only detected in the 3rd or 4th stage for almost 60 percent of patients, when the cancer cells have already spread throughout the body. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, followed by colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma (cancer developing in the cells of the lymph system) and nasopharyngeal cancer. Females stand a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than males, with breast cancer being the most prevalent, followed by colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer. On the other hand, eature During a cancer forum on October 29, 2017, volunteer Soo Kim Mooi presented Dr Ivan Shew with a portrait as a token of gratitude.