Cambodia Investment Review
In a collective effort for women’s health, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Intercare Hospital, in partnership with Douleurs Sans Frontières Cambodia (DSF Cambodia), the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Toutes à l’École Cambodia, and the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA), led a community-driven Breast Cancer Awareness Event at Connexion, Koh Pich, under the theme “Early detection gives the best chance to cure breast cancer.”
The event was open to everyone and brought together medical professionals, students, and the community for an afternoon of free health screenings, educational activities, and inspiring art, all aimed at promoting prevention, early detection, and open dialogue around breast cancer in Cambodia.
Empowering Health Through Action
At the heart of the event was a free breast cancer screening provided by Intercare Hospital, offering attendees an accessible opportunity to take proactive steps for their health. Alongside this, Douleurs Sans Frontières Cambodia (DSF Cambodia) conducted interactive health talks and awareness activities, focusing on prevention, self-examination, and the importance of early detection.
“Our goal is not only to treat diseases, but to help prevent it, by making health information accessible, compassionate, and practical for everyone.”said Dr. Leakhena Obstetrics and Gynecology at Intercare Hospital.
Highlighting the collaboration, the french Dr. Ahmed Ali, medical advisor at DSF Paris headquarters, joined the event and shared her expertise on early detection and patient care. Local insights were provided by Dr. Prak Kanika, who emphasized the importance of community engagement in improving breast cancer outcomes in Cambodia.
“Breast cancer now accounts for about one in every five new cancer cases among women,” said Dr. Kanika Prak. “Yet about 78% of breast cancer cases in Cambodia are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, when treatment becomes far more difficult. ”
These sessions reminded the public that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to improve survival rates and reduce the burden of breast cancer in Cambodia.
As part of a broader awareness initiative, OCIC, DSF Cambodia, and the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) jointly launched a testimonial video campaign featuring real stories from breast cancer survivors. These short, emotional testimonies, produced to inspire courage and promote early screening, were showcased on billboards at Olympia City, allowing the message of hope and awareness to reach a wider, more diverse public.
Art That Inspires Awareness
As part of the awareness initiative, the event featured an art exhibition titled “Together, We Care.” Presented at Connexion’s Ground Floor in Komnu Lounge. The exhibition brought together students from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and an international photographer, Miguel Jeronimo, whose works shed light on the emotional and human side of the breast cancer journey.
During discussions with the RUFA art students who created the artworks, they declared “We learned that fighting cancer is not only a medical journey, it is also an emotional and human one. Through art, we stand with every woman facing this battle.”
A Symbol of Hope: The Pink Ribbons Tree
Another standout moment came from the participation of young women from Toutes à l’École Cambodia ngo, who unveiled a two-meter-high Pink Ribbons Tree, crafted entirely from reused and recycled materials.
This installation, proudly displayed at Connexion throughout the event, symbolized renewal, resilience, and community strength.
A Shared Commitment
The initiative was supported by Canadia Bank, Diamond Bay Garden, Norea City, The Olympia City, Toutes à l’École, Senovie – Cancers du sein et mobilités thérapeutiques, and Institut de recherche pour le développement France (IRD in Asia).
