KOTA KINABALU: A Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk was successfully held at Taman Ujana Rimba, near here on Saturday, bringing together 250 participants in a united effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer, encourage early detection, and promote better health-seeking behaviour among men in Sabah.
The event is a collaborative initiative involving Prostate Cancer Society Malaysia (PCSM), Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu,
The Urology Department of Hospital Queen Elizabeth, and Rotary Clubs of Kota Kinabalu Sabah, reflecting a strong partnership between the private healthcare sector, public healthcare services and the community.
Prostate cancer is one of the important cancers affecting men, particularly as they grow older.
Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, many men remain reluctant to discuss urinary symptoms, undergo health screening, or seek medical attention until their disease has progressed.
The Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk aims to change this by bringing the conversation on prostate health out of the clinic and into the community.
“This walk is more than just a sporting or community event. It is an opportunity to start conversations about men’s health and prostate cancer. We want men to understand that prostate cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, and that appropriate assessment and early detection can make a significant difference.” Quoted Dr Suriaraj Karppaya Urologist From Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu.
The participation of approximately 250 people is an encouraging reflection of increasing public interest in prostate cancer awareness and men’s health.
Participants will walk together not only to promote a healthier lifestyle, but also in support of men and families who have been affected by prostate cancer.
The collaboration between the participating organisations also demonstrates the importance of a coordinated approach towards cancer awareness. By bringing together healthcare professionals, cancer advocacy organisations, community groups and members of the public, the organisers hope to make reliable information on prostate cancer more accessible to the community.
Special thanks to the organising committee comprising of Mr Lawrence Thien (PCSM), Mr Lee Yuen Ching (PCSM), Dr Suriaraj Karppaya (Gleneagles KK), Dr. Sophia Heng (Hospital Queen Elizabeth) and Mr Daniel Wong (President Rotary Club Kota Kinabalu).
The event started with a 6am walk around the beautiful Taman Ujana Rimba with all participants dressed in blue T-shirt.
Followed by opening ceremony by PCSM Chairman Mr Wong Kuan Sing and Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Chief Operating Officer Mr Kevin Chia.
A vibrant opening dance performance by the local community dance group (Rimba Tropika Line Dance Group) was one of the highlights.
This was followed by two health talk by Consultant Urologist from Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Dr Suriaraj (Titled Know your Prostate: Early Screening Saves Lives) and Dr Sun Kian Joo from Hospital Queen Elizabeth (titled: 10 myths about prostate cancer)
“One of our key messages is simple: men should not be afraid to talk about their health. If you have concerns about your prostate or urinary symptoms, speak to your doctor.
For men in the appropriate age or risk group, have a discussion with your healthcare provider about whether prostate cancer screening is suitable for you.”
The organisers hope that the Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk 2026 will become part of a wider movement to improve men’s health awareness in Sabah and encourage more men to take an active role in looking after their health.
