Background
Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) or National Cancer Council is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Register of Societies on 10th November 1994 and officially launched on 30th March 1995. MAKNA was founded by Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin. Their main objective is "to pool and utilize all efforts, expertise and finance from all sectors of the society, to fight cancer and reduce related pain, morbidity and the suffering that cancer patients undergo”.

Cancer in Malaysia
To date, the incidence of cancer is on the rise. In fact, it is now the second leading cause of death in Malaysia. Cancer can strike anyone regardless of colour, creed or status. An estimated 40,000 new cancer cases are registered yearly. Hope is not lost as 30% - 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by practicing a healthy lifestyle, early detection and seeking the right treatment if necessary. 4 of the most common types of cancer in Malaysia are Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervix Cancer and Leukaemia, which is the most common form of childhood cancer.

There are 210 types of diseases classified under the umbrella name of cancer. Cancer strikes 11 million adults and children every year throughout the world and six million die from it annually. Closer to home, 45,000 Malaysians are told every year that they have cancer. In Malaysia, cancer is the second leading cause of death after heart disease.

ALCOM and MAKNA
ALCOM is a regular donor to MAKNA. By supporting MAKNA, we hope to see improvement in the quality of life of cancer patients through the various research activities carried out. We also hope that new medication and technology will be developed, and that one day, a cure will be found for this dreadful disease.

Source by: http://www.alcom.com.my, May, 2008