Avenue K Tresses of Hope

Cancer is a silent killer and it strikes one in every nine women and one in every 10 men in the country....

It is said that there are about 20,700 Malaysians being diagnosed with cancer every year, with 90,000 to 100,000 people in Malaysia living with cancer at any one time...

Avenue K recently did their corporate social responsibility (CSR) event to create awareness for early detection and prevention of cancer in their mall in Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative was done in partnerships from National Cancer Council Malaysia (Makna), Locks of Hope Association, Assisi Palliative Care (Aspac) and C. Michael London Hair Salon...

The event gave people the opportunity to participate in the drive and to create practical awareness on cancer.

Early detection and screening can lead to better survival rates and prevention of the disease was possible with lifestyle changes...

At the event, singer Atilia Haron caught people’s attention as she performed with her mother Salamiah Hassan, who was a cancer survivor..

She shared her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at the peak of her career at 30 years old and the challenges she faced juggling her role as wife, mother and singer...

Makna deputy general manager Vemanna Appannah said setting cancer information booths at public areas was a good idea because it allowed the public to get information on self-examination methods without having to go to the hospital.

“It is a good idea and it attracted people to come forward to learn about cancer. When we are in public areas like this, it is easier for people to come forward and find out about cancer.

“Getting information from the exhibitors is easier for the public. And they can have a better understanding about cancer through face-to-face communication,” he said.

Themed “Tresses Of Hope”, it also had a hair-cutting booth for people to donate about 6 inches of their hair for the cause...