CORUM Malaysia, in a significant public health initiative, has teamed up with BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy to launch a colon cancer screening campaign from June to August 2025. This campaign aims to enhance early detection of colorectal cancer by increasing public access to free Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits..
A total of 430 test kits – 150 of which are contributed by CORUM – will be distributed through two main channels: dedicated community screening events and in-store programs across selected outlets of both pharmacy chains.
Key Objectives of the Campaign:
- Raise public awareness about colon cancer and the critical role of early detection in improving survival rates.
- To promote early detection of colorectal cancer and access to colon cancer screening for those aged 45 and above.
- Ensure continuity of care by providing counselling, timely follow-up, and referral pathways for those with positive test results.
Community Events: HOPE Day
A major highlight of the campaign is the Ribbon of HOPE Day wellness screening series, hosted at 11 selected BIG and CARiNG Pharmacy outlets. Each event includes:
- Free colon cancer screening (Faecal Occult Blood Test)
- Free glucose screening
- Free Total Cholesterol screening
These events are supported by trained pharmacists and CORUM’s Peer-Support Volunteers. Eligibility screening ensures only individuals aged 45 and above and those without visible blood in their stool to participate in the program.
Counselling & Follow-Up
Customers receiving the kits will be counselled on usage and asked to submit their results via Google Form or WhatsApp within two weeks. Pharmacists and trained volunteers will follow up with participants to:
- Record test outcomes
- Offer post-result counselling
- Refer positive cases to appropriate medical professionals
CORUM will support pharmacists in managing positive result responses and connect participants to medical advisors as needed.
Community Engagement: SS2 Outreach
On 4 May 2025, CORUM and local stakeholders conducted a community outreach event at SS2, including:
- Awareness talk by colorectal surgeon
- Test kit distribution and counselling by pharmacist
- Structured follow-up and support for those with positive results
A total of 78 participants registered for this event to conduct colon cancer screening. The event was made possible with support from the Rukun Tetangga SS2B Committee, which helped coordinate venue setup and community outreach.
A Step Forward in Preventive Healthcare
This partnership reinforces the shared mission of CORUM, BIG Pharmacy, and CARiNG Pharmacy to ensure early detection, empowered decision-making, and accessible healthcare tools for Malaysians.
As we believe, “Early screening saves lives; with this collaboration, we’re making it easier for Malaysians to take that crucial first step toward early detection”.