Lung Cancer Network Malaysia Appoints Three Industry Leaders to Inaugural Advisory Board on World Lung Cancer Day

Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) has appointed three corporate leaders to serve as honorary members on the Society’s inaugural Board of Advisors. The three appointees – Ms Norlida Azmi, Group Chief People Officer of Axiata Group Berhad; Ms Jennifer Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC); and Mr Vincent De Paul, Vice President at Astro News – will serve as honorary Advisors for an initial two-year term effective 1st August.

LCNM was established in late 2018 by two medical specialists – Dr Anand Sachithanandan, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Dr Tho Lye Mun, a clinical oncologist – and officially launched on World Lung Cancer Day (1st August) 2019. A not-for-profit disease-centric NGO, LCNM is dedicated solely and exclusively to addressing all aspects and all stages of lung cancer here including preventative (tobacco control) strategies, screening of high risk individuals, diagnosis, staging and treatment with both a curative and palliative intent.

With a multi disciplinary network of highly trained medical specialists from the public, academic and private healthcare sectors, and allied healthcare professionals including dietitians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and psychologists, LCNM seeks to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to improve outcomes through advocacy, education and awareness for both the public and doctors in primary care. This is reflected in the Society’s tagline “Conquering Lung Cancer Together”. The Society seeks to promote evidence-based scientific recommendations in an easy-to -understand manner, to help patients & their families, doctors and other caregivers better navigate their cancer journey. Additionally, LCNM aims to destigmatise the disease, debunk erroneous myths and misconceptions surrounding lung cancer and its treatments, and promote credible local research.

‘I have no doubt the appointment of Norlida, Jennifer and Vincent, three eminent and passionate industry leaders as Advisors will benefit LCNM immensely. We are honoured to have them onboard and hope to leverage on their vast experience, leadership and expertise from diverse fields to help LCNM create far-reaching impact in our battle against lung cancer here” said the Society’s President Dr Anand. Lung cancer remains one of the commonest and deadliest cancers in Malaysia with a preponderance of late stage diagnosis and hence poor survival.

The society’s two co-founders Dr Anand and Dr Tho are the other two members of the NGO’s advisory board.