The Rationale
The cancer community is an ever-growing population. National Cancer Registry Malaysia (Lim and Halimah, 2004) reported that there were 21,464 cancer cases diagnosed in Peninsular Malaysia in the year 2003. The total comprised of 56% females and 44% males. About 9% of the cancer incidences involve children aged 0-14 years. Cancer incidence reported in Sabah and Sarawak were 926 and 1356 cases respectively. Assuming that cancer cases remain within this range each year, the cumulative number of cancer cases and survivors will continue to grow. Information and support needs about the disease will also continue to grow and in demand by those living and affected by cancer.

Cancer gives a significant impact on patients, family and friends, work colleagues, caregivers and the greater community. Those affected by cancer frequently face a range of physical, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, economic challenges as well as on going concerns such as disease recurrence, wellness, etc. They have to deal with the challenges and concerns from the time they are diagnosed, during treatment and throughout the remaining years of their lives. They need support and resources for living with cancer.

Currently many studies have reported the need for accurate, relevant and comprehensive information for those affected by cancer to help them make informed decisions about treatment and other concerns. Trend also shows that people is taking more responsibility and involvement in their own health and having information that will enable them to understand how they can maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage disease, and achieve quality of life during illness and beyond. These needs can be met through appropriate communication and education initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and access of the said issues. KanPortal is one of the access points to communicate, educate and support those affected by cancer.

KanPortal
KanPortal is one of many initiatives carried out by CaEd and in collaboration with KAEM and KanWork. We are a group of Malaysians dedicated into inquiring and accessing information, knowledge and resources on cancer; manage these information, and resources; and adapt them for appropriate use in the Malaysian context. The portalis aimed at providing appropriate information, education and support resources on cancer for users in this region.

KanPortal is conceptually and operationally organized to provide online information:

• regarding specific cancer types, cancer treatment and management, and support
• on services for people affected by cancer
• to educate the community regarding cancer prevention and early detection

Impact

• KanPortal is to be the anchor hub on Cancer Knowledge Management that will be networked online with other local cancer resource centers and eventually regional and transnational networking to reach those affected by cancer