 His and Her Story: A Collection of Testimonies on Male Support for Breast Cancer Launched, Kuala Lumpur – 21 June 2008
By Dr Evelyn Ho
In November 2006, a project to involve men in a caring and meaningful relationship by providing appropriate support to women for early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer was launched. This was followed by the inaugural training workshop for service providers to introduce the training manual and handbook developed under this project. This project by the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) and supported by Pfizer Malaysia through Asia Foundation, has since run for the year of 2007 in 12 states in Malaysia. MENCARE, as the project is called, has trained approximately 200 trainers throughout Malaysia.
The training was to assist men through a 5-stage decision making process – creating awareness on the importance of regular screening for breast cancer; knowing the breast cancer screening options, understanding what constitutes breast disease and breast cancer; identifying constraints that men face in providing the support and how to reduce or overcome these barriers including accessing the resources and support systems available; and getting pledges from men to take action to care and support for women.
During the workshop sessions, accounts of courage, strength and unconditional love surfaced. These real life examples have been compiled to provide a source of inspiration and to empower men through these real life experiences – the product is His and Her Story. The book was launched by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development at Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur in a short and sweet event. Partners in prevention, trainers, volunteer organisations, members of the Expert Panel for the development of the training manual, friends and those involved in the project were present to witness this milestone in the MENCARE project. The Expert Group providing consultation and advisory to the project consisted of the Malaysian Breast Cancer Council, Breast Cancer Welfare Association, College of Radiology Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, University Malaya Medical Centre, Amanita, National Cancer Society of Malaysian, Malaysian Oncological Society and the Federation of Family Planning Associations Malaysia.
YB Dato’ Dr Ng, in her speech spoke of the general fear of being diagnosed with cancer, but in the case of breast cancer in women, it was coupled with the fear of abandonment or rejection by their husbands. As families were building blocks for communities and eventually the nation, it was very important that the heads of the household (generally men) should play a supportive and caring role for the mothers/wives when they fell ill.
Mr Michael Khor, Managing Director of Pfizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd hoped that this book of testimonies would “open the eyes” of the men so that they realise the importance of their role in their partners’ lives and in the livers of their female relatives and friends.
The Deputy President of NCWO, Dato’ Ramani Gurusamy spoke of the shared mission of working towards a better quality of life for Malaysian women, while engaging Malaysian men. She was sure MENCARE would continue to evolve and be relevant to all Malaysians. MENCARE was a comprehensive nationwide training programme with the objective to encourage men to become more knowledgeable about breast cancer, adopt a new attitude of care as well as instilling a more supportive set of behaviours. It was targeted at service providers of women and healthcare organisations – as they would convey the message at grassroots level to men. About the NCWO
The NCWO is the consultative and advisory body for women’s organisations affiliated to it. NCWO has almost 100 affiliates that promote the sustained advancement of women in Malaysia and their full participation in the social, cultural, science and technology, economic, political and international arenas.
About Pfizer
Pfizer Malaysia is committed towards “Working Together for a Healthier World” by playing an active role in the community and through good business practices and standards of behaviour. Pfizer Malaysia began operations in 1964 and currently has a complement of 300 staff in nine offices throughout the country.
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