As this year's ambassador for the Pink Charity Run 2014, Marion Caunter shares how she stays healthy and how everyone can play a role in spreading awareness on breast cancer.
Every year, people from all ages and backgrounds gather at the starting point of one neighbourhood charity run and lend their legs to a cause that affects women around the world. The Pink Charity Run, organised annually by Pantai Hospital Klang to raise breast cancer awareness particularly among the women in suburban and rural areas, is in its 4th year running and this year, Marion Caunter is the new ambassador.
“I am extremely honoured,” says Caunter of her new role. For the socialite, cancer is something she knows well, having lost her own father to it. “I'm always looking at ways to help out so when they approached me to see if I was interested, I didn't even have to think about it.”
In the countdown to the Pink Charity Run 2014 which will take place on the 28th of September, we got her to share with us a few tips of her own on how she stays healthy and how she aims to educate as many people as possible about breast cancer.
Marion Caunter
The Pink Charity Run is aimed at raising awareness among those residing in the suburbs and more rural areas of the country. Why is that so?
It's the women in the more rural areas that are less informed so the need to create awareness in the suburban and rural areas is greater. These are the women that need to know about the necessity of self checks and how early detection is key.
How drastically different is the level of awareness and education in the approach towards breast cancer between urban and rural areas?
There is a sizeable gap between women in urban and rural areas in terms of awareness and education on breast health. Women in rural areas tend to have deficits in knowledge on symptoms and risk factors, whether attributed to language barriers, low-levels of education or financial constraints.
What are some of the challenges standing in the way of those residing in the suburbs and rural areas from seeking proper treatment upon early detection?
I recently spoke to someone from the Klang community who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She knew of treatments that were available, but the most challenging aspect of the diagnosis was accepting the fact of having breast cancer. While some are well-read on the illness, some members of the community are still completely blank on the subject; they prefer not to talk about it and choose to suffer alone in darkness.
Early detection saves lives. What are some habits you practise yourself to stay on top of your own body?
I really think it's about getting to know your body and your breasts. Touch it, feel it all the time. As soon as you notice something is different, get it checked out. If you're uncertain, drop by your nearest clinic and have a professional help you.
(L-R) Pink Charity Run previous ambassadors, Thanuja Ananthan and Dato' Yasmin Yusuff with COO of Pantai Hospital Klang, Maryati Legori Ibrahim, and Marion Caunter
Keeping active is vital in maintaining a healthy body and mind. How do you upkeep your personal health and fitness?
I work out almost every day. Usually 6 times a week with one day off unless I'm traveling, then it gets a little bit more challenging. I train with a trainer every other day on my strength and run at home on the treadmill or outside every alternate day.
Not many people find exercise a fun past time. How do you encourage them to try and make it part of their lifestyle?
I tell all my friends to work out all the time. When I'm out for a meal with a friend, I tell them they can indulge as long as they work it off. Life cannot only be about the good things in life. We have to maintain a balance.
Exercise isn't the most fun thing in the world. I still dread going sometimes but once you're on a roll, your body starts craving it. The endorphins that are released make you feel so good! That is what I try and tell my friends -- it makes you happy!
What about diet? Are there any secret power foods you swear by?
I just believe in eating healthy all round. Cut down on the red meat, chicken breast only if possible, loads of vegetable and water! Indulge every now and then but always, work it off after.
Everyone has a role to play in spreading awareness. How can everyone influence the people around them to stay active and healthy?
This goes out to men as well. Although rare, men can also get breast cancer. What we also encourage is for men to go out there and talk to their mothers, sisters, daughter, friends, co-workers. Remind them to get their breasts checked whenever possible.
As this year’s ambassador, what are some of the goals you hope to achieve in regards to this cause?
My goal is simple. If I can even help one person, my job here would be done. If one person after reading this interview for example, decides to go out and get his or her breasts checked, I have done my part. It really is about spreading awareness.
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