Forward-looking doctors and executives play a crucial role in the fight against the global cancer epidemic
According to the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, with 69 per cent of women having little to no awareness of the disease prior to their diagnosis—a fact that can be addressed with more education, support and symptom awareness. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer and the eighth most common cause of death from cancer in women around the world. Global projections estimate that over 300,000 women will succumb to the disease each year and more than four million women will be lost to ovarian cancer by 2040.
On World Ovarian Cancer Day, we highlight the forward-looking leaders on Asia’s Most Influential and Gen.T lists who advocate for better treatment for those affected by all types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Through the lens of scientific research, cutting-edge technology, applied mathematics, or even social media, these doctors, scientists, tech leaders and executives advance our understanding of cancer and help find novel solutions for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Also read: These award-winning media practitioners champion freedom of expression
Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri, clinical research fellow, Department of Surgery and Cancer of Imperial College London (Malaysia)
As a clinical research fellow at the Department of Surgery and Cancer of Imperial College London, Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri undertakes research and experimental projects for breast cancer surgery. The surgeon has published several journal studies, including assessments of upper limb functionality after breast cancer treatments, as part of her PhD.
The doctor is also known for harnessing the power of social media to promote medical knowledge. On Instagram, for example, she posted a reminder about cervical smear tests, sharing her experience as a new mother who accomplished her screening during her baby’s 12-week checkup. Another post shared with her 854,000 followers debunked ovarian cancer myths, including the notion that hormonal contraception increases the risk of the cancer. The doctor added how it “can actually reduce your lifetime risk of ovarian cancer, as well as endometrial [and] colorectal cancer…”
Of social media, she said to Tatler: “Over the years, I've become an outspoken advocate for accurate and reliable healthcare information. As a doctor, I want to use my knowledge to help others. I'm a very opinionated person, so if [a piece of information] has been wrongly put across, I will call it out regardless of who said it.”
Read Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential