Novartis Malaysia and Institut Kanser Negara Set Record with the Largest Human Pink Ribbon Formation
- Raising breast cancer awareness through unity: Over 2,000 participants advocate for early detection and support
- The largest human pink ribbon formation sets a record, with the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri’ Fadillah Yusof, and Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Putrajaya, October 15, 2024 – Novartis Malaysia, in partnership with Institut Kanser Negara (IKN), announced its entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the Largest Human Pink Ribbon Formation. This initiative was designed to promote breast cancer awareness and offer critical resources for attendees. This record-breaking attempt formed the highlight activity of IKN’s Pink Carnival celebration, with 2,050 breast cancer supporters dressed in pink gathering at Institut Kanser Negara to form a human pink ribbon. This monumental gesture, officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, aimed to raise awareness of breast cancer while celebrating the strength and resilience of breast cancer patients to live well, and longer.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among the Malaysian population, and approximately one out of five cancer patients have breast cancer.1 As shared by Minister of Health Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, “Breast Cancer is the primary cause of death among women.” He continued by sharing that this is underscored by the fact that the number of cancer cases detected at Stages 3 and 4 increased during the 2017 – 2021 period, with 50.5% of cases diagnosed at these late stages, according to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017 - 2021.
Dr Mohamed Anis Harun, Director of Institut Kanser Negara (IKN), shared his thoughts on this historic event: “This record-breaking achievement underscores the importance of unity, early detection, and continuous support for breast cancer patients and survivors. It is crucial that all parties and stakeholders, including patients, join forces to promote awareness and education on breast cancer.
By working together, we can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives. This powerful visual statement aims to inspire and empower all Malaysian breast cancer patients, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight against cancer. Our goal is to encourage patients to challenge conventional practices, communicate openly with oncologists, and pursue therapies that ensure a high quality of life.”
Jegatheswaran Panderengen, Country Head of Public Affairs, Novartis Malaysia, expressed similar views: “At Novartis, partnering with key organizations like Institut Kanser Negara is essential. Today's record-setting event highlights our ongoing commitment to empowering breast cancer patients and their families to ‘Live Well, Live Together’. Since 2022, we have been dedicated partners with IKN, helping to elevate breast cancer treatments and outcomes for Malaysian patients. This achievement underscores our belief that both public and private institutions can collaboratively make a significant impact on patients' journeys. In fact, it inspires us to continue collaborating hand in hand with IKN to continue going above and beyond together for our patients through community initiatives, educational programs, and accessible, innovative therapies.”
Datin Dr Zuhanis binti Abdul Hamid, Chairman of the Persatuan Pendidikan Perubatan Institut Kanser Negara (PPPIKN), highlighted the alarming rise in breast cancer cases in Malaysia and emphasized the importance for these patients to have a strong system of support.
“A cancer diagnosis can be daunting. At PPPIKN, we strive to support breast cancer patients and ensure that they do not feel alone in their cancer-fighting journey. It is crucial for these patients to have a comprehensive support network which includes medical organizations, oncologists, and dedicated corporate partners like Novartis Malaysia. We deeply appreciate Novartis’ continuous and unwavering support in helping to elevate the patient experience for those battling breast cancer in Malaysia since 2022.
Therefore, we would once again like to call upon all Malaysian citizens, corporate partners, and NGOs to stand in solidarity with us and the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, in battling cancers while at the same time supporting our patients in their fight against this disease.
By fostering a strong and supportive community, the event embodied the spirit of ‘Living Well, Living Together’, demonstrating that despite the challenges posed by the disease, a united front can inspire hope and strength.”
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About Novartis Malaysia
Novartis had a long heritage and legacy in Malaysia. Established in 1971, we are a leading multinational company employing close to 700 associates who work in the Novartis International division and Novartis Corporate Center, Kuala Lumpur. Through our over 50-year presence in Malaysia, Novartis Malaysia continues to deliver on its corporate purpose of reimagining medicine to improve and extend the lives of over 32 million Malaysians.
In 2022, Novartis Malaysia was recognized as Sponsor of the Year by Clinical Research Malaysia for initiating 24 new clinical trials. We also have a proven track record of expanding access to our innovative medicines in private or public via collaborations with the Ministry of Health. Through these collaborations, Novartis has succeeded in touching the lives of more than 1.7 million Malaysian patients.
Novartis Malaysia’s office is located in the new cutting-edge building called Plaza Imazium in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya. Novartis Malaysia occupies 2 floors and was one of 20 offices in Malaysia to be LEED Gold certified and the first office to be WELL Silver certified.
Novartis Media Relations
Melissa Hon
Communications and Patient Advocacy
References
- Htay, M., Su, T., Donnelly, M.. (2024). Risk-stratified breast cancer screening in Malaysia: Challenges and opportunities. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 25(3), 785-791. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.3.785
- Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, RL., Torre, LA., Jemal, A.. (2018) Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin, 68(6):394–424. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.3322/caac.21492