Cancer: CCAM appeals for public support to save lives of 14 children

SUBANG JAYA: The Children Cancer Association Malaysia (CCAM) is urgently appealing to the public for support to save the lives of 14 children who are currently fighting cancer.

CCAM founder and chairman Lavaniyah Ganapathy said that the association has set a fundraising target of RM1.8 million, aimed at providing vital treatments, including the possibility of specialised care overseas for these children, who are currently receiving care at various healthcare institutions around the Klang Valley.

"Malaysia records approximately 800 new cases of childhood cancer annually. While the global survival rate for childhood cancer is 95 per cent with timely treatment, only 65 per cent of children with cancer in Malaysia survive.

"The remaining 35 per cent succumb to the disease unnecessarily due to lack of awareness and financial barriers. In 2023 alone, more than 220 children in Malaysia lost their lives to cancer despite having a high chance of recovery. Every passing day is a race against time," she told a press conference, here today.

She said many Malaysian families are struggling with medical bankruptcy because cancer treatments are too expensive, affecting not only low-income families but also those from middle-income households.

"Currently, at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM), there are about eight children in need of treatment, costing RM60,000 per month. Additionally, there are children waiting for their CAR T-Cell Therapy, which is not available in Malaysia and requires treatment in Singapore, costing approximately RM825,000.

"Another child requires RM750,000 for Blinatumomab treatment. Additionally, some children have monthly treatment costs of around RM40,000 each. We hope the RM1.8 million raised will be sufficient to fund their treatments," she said.

She noted that since CCAM was established in 2022, it has helped nearly 80 children and added that individuals wishing to contribute can make donations to the Pertubuhan Kanser Kanak-Kanak Malaysia account at Hong Leong Bank, account number 21400086276.

-- BERNAMA

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