Exploring World Cancer Day: An Interview with a Cancer Survivor | by Haarish Nair
World Cancer Day, a global uniting initiative led by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC). A day created to raise global awareness, further education and encourage conversations within the public. This day gives us a moment to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths have ended and treatment is widely accessible. Created in the year 2000, World Cancer Day has now become a globally celebrated event that focuses on one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. Each year, various cancer-related activities take place around the world, bringing people together regardless of background, serving as a reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.
This year follows on from the success of last year’s campaign at the height of the pandemic, which saw over 840 activities taking place in 116 countries. One major activity was when 152 iconic monuments in 91 cities were lit up in the colour orange for World Cancer Day. The campaign was widely popular, gaining support from major public figures like US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Rica Sham is a former radio host and cancer survivor from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. She launched her own podcast The Rica Sham Show on major streaming platforms in 2021. You can follow her cancer journey on Instagram @ricasham.
Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels.
A Brief Introduction to Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which the cells in the body start to divide uncontrollably. When cells divide uncontrollably, they can form tumours. These tumours can be benign (specified to one area of the body), or they can be malignant (spread around the whole body). Malignant tumours are cancerous while benign ones are not.
Cancer can attack almost any part of the body. Cells usually divide and reproduce as needed, but if it is not necessary the cells go through a ‘checkpoint’ where they stop producing. However, with cancer this checkpoint becomes dysfunctional thus causing the cells to continue producing at a rapid pace.
Cancer can attack almost any part of the body. Cells usually divide and reproduce as needed, but if it is not necessary the cells go through a ‘checkpoint’ where they stop producing. However, with cancer this checkpoint becomes dysfunctional thus causing the cells to continue producing at a rapid pace.
World Cancer Day 2022
World Cancer Day 2022 marks the first year of a new three-year campaign centred on the issue of equity. The campaign theme ‘Close the care gap’ recognises the power of knowledge and challenges assumptions.
This year specifically raises awareness about the lack of equity in cancer care as well as explains the barriers that exist for many people in accessing services and receiving the care they need. It also explains how these barriers potentially reduce a person’s chance of surviving cancer.
This year specifically raises awareness about the lack of equity in cancer care as well as explains the barriers that exist for many people in accessing services and receiving the care they need. It also explains how these barriers potentially reduce a person’s chance of surviving cancer.
Photo by National Cancer Institute from Unsplash.
Immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment.
This year follows on from the success of last year’s campaign at the height of the pandemic, which saw over 840 activities taking place in 116 countries. One major activity was when 152 iconic monuments in 91 cities were lit up in the colour orange for World Cancer Day. The campaign was widely popular, gaining support from major public figures like US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Introducing Ms Rica Sham
Photo provided by Ms Rica Sham.
A Chat with Ms Rica Sham
Haarish: Hi Ms Rica, and thank you for agreeing to lend your voice to this important conversation. To start us off, could you give us a little bit of information regarding the start of your diagnosis, such as the specific area, or what age you were when you first got diagnosed?
Ms Rica: In October 2018, I was 34 years old and diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC), a kind of head and neck cancer behind the nose. I was diagnosed with stage 4A cancer at the time. I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy cancer treatments for a six-month period. Today, I am a cancer survivor and will be in remission for three years by March 2022.
Haarish: How was the cancer initially detected?
Ms Rica: I was studying for a diploma in Sound Production in Melbourne, Australia for nine months. During my stay there, my right ear was blocked as though there was water stuck in my ear. The symptom never subsided and towards the end of my stay, I experienced sudden pain in my right jaw as well as headaches. Upon returning home the same week, I decided to visit the ENT and get my condition checked and hoped for a quick fix. But after a nasal endoscopy (tiny camera into the nose), the ENT specialist suggested doing a biopsy immediately due to irregularities found in the nasopharynx area. A few days later, I was confirmed to have cancer from the test result.
Haarish: How did you feel when you first heard the news and how do you feel about it now in hindsight?
Ms Rica: My husband and I were completely shocked. Never in a million years did we imagine cancer could happen to me. But I had faith and believed that I would not die. Somehow I had courage from within and wanted to fight back. I knew I had to get treated as soon as possible and that was what we did. I have been in remission for three years now, feeling grateful to be alive and healthy today. Looking back, it was a unique experience, because not everyone can say they went through the same. Today, sharing my story and encouraging those facing cancer is a privilege to me and it makes my heart full.
Haarish: Did you have any form of support from your family or even friends?
Ms Rica: Yes. It was important to have love and moral support such as prayers, encouragement, and being shown kindness and compassion to me by my husband, family, and a few close friends. It helped me cope with the trauma and mental distress. Knowing that people around are rooting for me plus having a strong faith gave me hope not to give up. My husband and family members took turns to nurse me back to health. That was a tremendous help for my recovery.
Haarish: What are your thoughts on overcoming it independently?
Ms Rica: It takes courage, the right mindset, and lots of positivity to be able to deal with the disease and its side effects. Personally, it would be overbearing for me. Truth is, no one wants to go through physical illness and suffering alone. Hence, having support from loved ones is important.
Haarish: Would you say this changed your life positively or negatively? If so, how?
Ms Rica: Every cancer patient’s experience is different. For me, this journey has brought positive impacts in my life. I am better and healthier than before. I spend more time with my family and try not to live a stressful life. After my recovery, I started sharing my cancer journey on social media. I also launched The Rica Sham Show Podcast on YouTube and Spotify in 2021 to share my story. People around the world started connecting with me, asking for cancer management tips, positive encouragement, and more. If my story can help even one person in need, then my heart is full—it gives me joy.
Haarish: If you could give someone currently battling cancer some advice, what would it be?
Ms Rica: Never lose hope! Get treated, ask your doctor questions, and educate yourself about the disease. Learn to manage the side effects to stay as comfortable as you can. Be patient and do one thing at a time. Stay positive and focus on yourself and your wellbeing. It could be a very challenging journey but keep holding on and don’t give up.
Haarish: I have one last question for you before we wrap up. Is there anything you would like our readers to be wary of when it comes to cancer and people going through it?
Ms Rica: Be compassionate and ‘read the room’ with cancer patients. Some may be willing to share, some might not. Be understanding and encouraging by saying kind and positive words. If you are willing and there is a chance, offer help in any means you can.
Haarish: That is all I have for our readers today. On behalf of Taylor’s Etc. Magazine Club, I would like to thank you for your amazing support despite such short notice. I hope your words will inspire others.
Ms Rica: You’re welcome, all the best to your team and have a great week!
Ms Rica: In October 2018, I was 34 years old and diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC), a kind of head and neck cancer behind the nose. I was diagnosed with stage 4A cancer at the time. I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy cancer treatments for a six-month period. Today, I am a cancer survivor and will be in remission for three years by March 2022.
Haarish: How was the cancer initially detected?
Ms Rica: I was studying for a diploma in Sound Production in Melbourne, Australia for nine months. During my stay there, my right ear was blocked as though there was water stuck in my ear. The symptom never subsided and towards the end of my stay, I experienced sudden pain in my right jaw as well as headaches. Upon returning home the same week, I decided to visit the ENT and get my condition checked and hoped for a quick fix. But after a nasal endoscopy (tiny camera into the nose), the ENT specialist suggested doing a biopsy immediately due to irregularities found in the nasopharynx area. A few days later, I was confirmed to have cancer from the test result.
Haarish: How did you feel when you first heard the news and how do you feel about it now in hindsight?
Ms Rica: My husband and I were completely shocked. Never in a million years did we imagine cancer could happen to me. But I had faith and believed that I would not die. Somehow I had courage from within and wanted to fight back. I knew I had to get treated as soon as possible and that was what we did. I have been in remission for three years now, feeling grateful to be alive and healthy today. Looking back, it was a unique experience, because not everyone can say they went through the same. Today, sharing my story and encouraging those facing cancer is a privilege to me and it makes my heart full.
Haarish: Did you have any form of support from your family or even friends?
Ms Rica: Yes. It was important to have love and moral support such as prayers, encouragement, and being shown kindness and compassion to me by my husband, family, and a few close friends. It helped me cope with the trauma and mental distress. Knowing that people around are rooting for me plus having a strong faith gave me hope not to give up. My husband and family members took turns to nurse me back to health. That was a tremendous help for my recovery.
Haarish: What are your thoughts on overcoming it independently?
Ms Rica: It takes courage, the right mindset, and lots of positivity to be able to deal with the disease and its side effects. Personally, it would be overbearing for me. Truth is, no one wants to go through physical illness and suffering alone. Hence, having support from loved ones is important.
Haarish: Would you say this changed your life positively or negatively? If so, how?
Ms Rica: Every cancer patient’s experience is different. For me, this journey has brought positive impacts in my life. I am better and healthier than before. I spend more time with my family and try not to live a stressful life. After my recovery, I started sharing my cancer journey on social media. I also launched The Rica Sham Show Podcast on YouTube and Spotify in 2021 to share my story. People around the world started connecting with me, asking for cancer management tips, positive encouragement, and more. If my story can help even one person in need, then my heart is full—it gives me joy.
Haarish: If you could give someone currently battling cancer some advice, what would it be?
Ms Rica: Never lose hope! Get treated, ask your doctor questions, and educate yourself about the disease. Learn to manage the side effects to stay as comfortable as you can. Be patient and do one thing at a time. Stay positive and focus on yourself and your wellbeing. It could be a very challenging journey but keep holding on and don’t give up.
Haarish: I have one last question for you before we wrap up. Is there anything you would like our readers to be wary of when it comes to cancer and people going through it?
Ms Rica: Be compassionate and ‘read the room’ with cancer patients. Some may be willing to share, some might not. Be understanding and encouraging by saying kind and positive words. If you are willing and there is a chance, offer help in any means you can.
Haarish: That is all I have for our readers today. On behalf of Taylor’s Etc. Magazine Club, I would like to thank you for your amazing support despite such short notice. I hope your words will inspire others.
Ms Rica: You’re welcome, all the best to your team and have a great week!
What Happened On World Cancer Day 2022?
The global cancer community generated enthusiasm and raised awareness about the need to close the gap in cancer care and make sure that everyone has equitable access to lifesaving services.
There was a 24-hour livestream on the World Cancer Day website and the World Cancer Day Facebook and Youtube channels demonstrating the work of the cancer community.
Not only that, there were discussions with experts and people living with cancer about the socioeconomic factors—such as gender norms, cultural contexts, income and education levels— that create wide differences in cancer prevention, incidence and survival amongst many people.
Not only that, there were discussions with experts and people living with cancer about the socioeconomic factors—such as gender norms, cultural contexts, income and education levels— that create wide differences in cancer prevention, incidence and survival amongst many people.
Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels.
There was also the World Cancer Day 2022 – Solidarity Challenge in which there were thousands of runners, cyclists and some of the biggest names in sports to raise awareness about cancer.
To find out more ways to support the campaign and celebrate World Cancer Day with your family or friends, you can access these templates for Materials | World Cancer Day to support this amazing cause on your end.
To find out more ways to support the campaign and celebrate World Cancer Day with your family or friends, you can access these templates for Materials | World Cancer Day to support this amazing cause on your end.
Ways You Can Help
There are many ways to contribute towards the cancer society in order to help them with their treatment process and other challenges. Here are just a few of these ways:
1. Directly donate cash to the National Cancer Society Malaysia
For every RM1 donated, they would provide highly subsidised screening for the public and free screening for the underprivileged. To get further details, head over to their website: Donate – NCSM
2. Participate in Cancer-Related charity runs
There are many types of charity runs organised to help fund the treatment for cancer patients who can’t afford them. Therefore, by participating in runs like these not only would you be able to get healthy but you would be contributing towards the well-being of someone else too. One of the examples would be this charity run: Fight Against Cancer 2022 | Checkpoint Spot
3. Another way would just be to get yourself and encourage your family and friends to go for regular checkups to ensure your health is in good shape at all times.
1. Directly donate cash to the National Cancer Society Malaysia
For every RM1 donated, they would provide highly subsidised screening for the public and free screening for the underprivileged. To get further details, head over to their website: Donate – NCSM
2. Participate in Cancer-Related charity runs
There are many types of charity runs organised to help fund the treatment for cancer patients who can’t afford them. Therefore, by participating in runs like these not only would you be able to get healthy but you would be contributing towards the well-being of someone else too. One of the examples would be this charity run: Fight Against Cancer 2022 | Checkpoint Spot
3. Another way would just be to get yourself and encourage your family and friends to go for regular checkups to ensure your health is in good shape at all times.
Photo by Thirdman from Pexels.
A Final Message
To summarise, we should always prioritise our health as anything could happen at any time. Go for regular checkups and try to follow a healthy lifestyle as much as you can. Cancer has changed the lives of many people in both positive and negative ways. Some people have become more health-conscious due to a family member or friend going through cancer. Some cancer patients would have to go for lifelong treatments as well. But, that does not mean it’s the end of the world. Many cancer survivors have risen after falling and became successful despite the challenges thrown at them. This is one of the reasons we should support this amazing initiative by playing our roles respectively.
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