Kuala Lumpur, 21 July, 2012 - The UCSI University Pharmacy Student Association (UCSIUPSA) of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences recently organised its 11^th Annual Public Health Campaign 2012 at UCSI University, KL Campus (South Wing) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The UCSI University Public Health Campaign is a community project that aims mainly to promote and educate the public on health related issues and disease prevention.  The theme for the 11^th Annual Public Health Campaign 2012 was "Fit for life, let's prevent cancer", focusing on lung cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer as well as cardiovascular disease in a person. This topic was chosen because of the increasing prevalence of cancer incidences in the country as well as it being a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases.

In her speech, UCSI University's Deputy Vice Chancellor of International Relations, Professor Dr Lee Chai Buan said, "Through education, research and public outreach, our goal is to become a public asset for not only our local community but for the nation and the world at large, thus the public should take this golden opportunity to participate in all activities during these two days to clear their doubts regarding their health diagnosis."

"Besides that, I wish that the University students involved in this campaign will be further motivated to be active in community services and would continuously enhance their competency and knowledge in the field to improve the state of health amongst the public to resolve health issues in the country."

Presenting facts to raise awareness on cancer in an interactive way to the public, the campaign included various health screening tests such as such as the waist-to-hip ratio measurement, blood pressure tests, body fat tests and blood glucose tests as well as appropriate patient counselling from qualified pharmacists, who are also lecturers of the University, to enable the public to assume responsibility for their own health. Healthy lifestyles such as diet modification and physical activities, non-smoking and non-alcoholic habits were also emphasized to the public for the prevention and management of this disease.

Besides that, there were health talks, breast self-examination demonstration and also a health exhibition that focused mainly on breast cancer, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease, corresponding with the theme of the campaign.

"We anticipate a good response this year as in the previous years as we believe our theme truly correlates to the concerns of the community," said Au Chi Yan Renee, the Organising Chairperson of the campaign.

"On top of that, we also believe that the public is more aware now of their health and are keen to take the next step in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. All they really need is some advice and a little encouragement," she added.

The Public Health Campaign was open to the public mainly to men and women aged 18 and above, gathering a crowd of 571 patrons in total.

The UCSIUPSA Public Health Campaign is an annual event since 2002. The 10^th Annual Public Health Campaign was held at Berjaya Megamall, Kuantan from 9 to 10 July 2011, which achieved its objectives and goals with an overwhelming response from the public as well.