By Anne Das
Preventive healthcare found a strong voice in Ipoh recently as GreenAcres Retirement Village hosted a Health Screening Programme in collaboration with the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh.
Held on 17 January 2026, the one-day programme drew strong participation from both GreenAcres residents and members of the public, suggesting that more seniors and middle-aged adults are choosing to engage in early screening and health education.
Throughout the day, participants had access to a range of health checks under the ODOP screening package. These included Body Mass Index and waist circumference measurements, blood pressure monitoring, smokerlyser tests, and Hepatitis B and C screening.
iFOBT tests, clinical breast examinations, and doctor consultations were also available, allowing participants to address concerns and seek further advice on the spot. Eligible participants also benefited from free blood tests under the PERKESO and PEKA B40 initiatives, widening access to basic screening for lower-income groups.
Beyond the screenings, the programme also created space for education and conversation around cancer and general health. A series of four medical talks formed a key part of the day, aimed at equipping the public with practical knowledge on prevention and early detection.
Two sessions were conducted by Dr Nadia from the National Cancer Society Malaysia, focusing on cancer risks, early detection and lifestyle awareness. The remaining talks by Dr Lim and Dr Ling from Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh addressed broader health screening insights and the importance of timely medical intervention.
Early screening allows diseases such as cancer and developmental conditions to be detected when they are most treatable, often leading to higher survival rates, less aggressive treatment, and a better quality of life.
GreenAcres General Manager Mr James Pany said the aim of the programme was to make health screening more accessible to both residents and the wider public.
For many who attended, the programme carried personal meaning beyond the screenings themselves. Puan Aida, who attended the screening, shared that her mother had passed away from breast cancer three years ago.
“This event means a lot to me. If we had more awareness and access like this earlier, things might have been different,” she said.
Another participant, Encik Razlan, expressed his hope that similar initiatives would continue. “Health awareness programmes like this are extremely important. I hope to see more collaborations like this in the future so the public can be better informed and protected,” he said.
From the residents’ perspective, Madam Mangay described the experience as reassuring. “I now understand cancer risks much better. The doctors explained everything clearly, and it gave me confidence to take charge of my health,” she shared.
GreenAcres Retirement Village also extends its appreciation to the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh for their collaboration in delivering the programme.
As Ipoh continues to see a growing focus on ageing well and informed living, initiatives such as this affirm how access to screening and health education remains a key part of building a healthier community.
