World Cancer Day was established in 2000 and is commemorated around the world annually. This year’s theme, which will be in effect until 2024, is “Close the care gap”.
This seeks to address the disparity in cancer care around the world, especially in third-world nations, where patients find it difficult to get optimal treatment.
There are also significant inequalities in income, education, awareness, geographical location, race, gender, age, and many more contributing factors.
In Malaysia, despite basic universal healthcare, those in rural areas have to travel further to get cancer care. In Sarawak, for example, it is not unheard of for patients to have to sell their belongings to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and treatments.
Furthermore, newer cancer treatments and drugs that are expensive are usually not subsidised by the government. This has led to financial devastation for many patients and their families.
‘Hope and voices’
According to SCAN, the idea for the song “was sparked from the voices of people who face many barriers when it comes to proper cancer care, and follows the notion that hope and conjoined voices will help fill the gaps in cancer care and treatments”.
“We believe it takes everyone to realise our aim for better outcomes in creating ‘Many Tomorrows’,” the organisation said in a statement. “We hope this song will encourage all to join us in closing the gap.”
Alena, who is Borneo-born and of mixed-Dayak heritage, is one of the first women to play the sape’, a lute instrument traditionally reserved for male healers.
“Since I was young, I saw cancer all around me. My parents used to bring us to the children’s cancer ward in Sarawak General Hospital to play games and sing songs,” she said.
“Many people near and dear to me, in the kampung and in the city, have gone or are going through the cancer fight. It’s not an easy road for both cancer fighters and the people around them, so when SCAN approached us for the collaboration, we wanted to be a part of it.”
The music video was directed by Alwyn Tay of Asa Esa Films, who said he was encouraged by video submissions received from members of cancer societies in Sarawak and elsewhere, including footage of dancers from Kuching, and sign language by members of the Sarawak Society for the Deaf.
The music composition was led by Jonathan Wong Ketshin, while Alena herself penned the lyrics.
She added: “I hope this song can give comfort to those with cancer and to those who care for them, and that it opens conversations on the barriers to cancer care.”
‘Many Tomorrows’ merchandise such as t-shirts and tote bags can be pre-ordered here, with all proceeds going to SCAN.
For more information on SCAN, click here. Find out more about World Cancer Day here.