Melaka, 27 February 2011 – In conjunction with World Cancer Day held every February, Mahkota Medical Centre gathered a group of cancer survivors to share their stories of courage and triumph against the disease. “Together We Are Stronger” sharing session was organised for all their cancer patients as a way to strengthen and encourage them.
“Our hospital puts together such an event because many people who are diagnosed with cancer either turn to other cancer patients or survivors to learn more about this disease and how to deal with it. It is through this sharing of experiences that they will gain assurance and confidence towards their journey in battling cancer,” comments
Earlier in the afternoon, the hospital’s Oncologist and Radiotherapists specialist, Dr Chong Kwang Jeat as well as Haematolgist and Internal Medicine specialist, Dr Kok Keng Weng, were present to enlighten the crowd about cancer.
The crowd was then ushered to the hospital’s radiotherapy department where the launching of the second linear accelerator (LINAC) machine was held.
This Elekta LINAC machine features a digital imager that allows for clear view of the patient’s treatment area, thus increases accuracy. In addition to that, the machine also facets the revolutionary Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) which is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. IMRT delivers a more precise dose of radiation to the tumour while protecting outlying tissue.
“We believe in investing on the latest advanced technology for healthcare purposes. With another equipment in hand, it not only reduces the patients waiting time it also allows more patients to receive services without much impediment”, says Chang.
The crowd was also given a tour of the radiotherapy department where they were able to have a glimpse of the machine and how it works. And for the first time, the hospital opens its doors to enable the crowd to have access to the radiotherapy control room.
The investment in the Linear Accelerator (about RM 8 Million) is an addition to the hospital’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Centre. The centre provides a one stop, comprehensive service for cancer treatment and is staffed by full time specialists in related fields of oncology, haematology (for leukemia), pathology and a surgical teams in all disciplines. The doctors are supported by nurses with specialist training in cancer as well as facilities built to handle cytotoxic drugs used for cancer treatment
This team will assist the patients and their families as they navigate through their diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Based on the diagnosis and patients stipulation, the physicians will then develop a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan for each patient that can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation or a combination of treatments.
Apart from that, the hospital ha also set up a clinical research centre (CRC) that will facilitate the trials of new drugs. The CRC will allow the team at Mahkota Medical Centre to be kept updated on the latest developments in drugs for cancer.
“With a multidisciplinary cancer centre in our hospital, it promotes coordination of patient care through consultation with physicians of different subspecialties and expertise, and integration of high technology therapies with the many other programs and support services offered at Mahkota Medical Centre. With a team approach to cancer care, it is hoped to reduce mortality and improve the patient’s quality of life”, elaborates Chang.
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About Mahkota Medical Centre
Established in 1994, Mahkota Medical Centre is a well established private hospital located within the major business district and historical landmarks of Malacca. It is a leading tertiary care hospital in Southern Peninsula Malaysia, and a leader in Medical Tourism in the country with a principle objective to provide accessible, advanced and affordable healthcare for patients. The continued success of Mahkota Medical Centre in its venture to stay at the forefront of the regional healthcare industry is evident in the recent expansion of the hospital’s facilities to 280 operational beds and the introduction of new clinical services. For more information on Mahkota Medical Centre, please go to http://www.mahkotamedical.com/
