Skudai, Johor – 12 October 2024 – The Cancer and Infectious Diseases (CAID) research group from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the KTP@Fakulti initiative, launched a meaningful community engagement effort focused on raising awareness about skin cancer and the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This initiative culminated in an impactful program at SMK Damai Jaya, involving a series of educational talks, hands-on activities, and a statewide short video competition.
The initiative was driven by growing concern over the lack of knowledge among youth, particularly from B40 backgrounds, regarding the link between UV radiation and the risk of skin cancer. Studies revealed low levels of awareness about self-examination techniques and the importance of sunscreen protection, while students from disadvantaged groups were found to have lower interest in biology-related fields. With these challenges in mind, the CAID team aimed to cultivate not only awareness but also enthusiasm for science among young participants.
Three main objectives anchored the program: (1) to increase public awareness of the dangers of UV exposure and skin cancer, (2) to emphasize the importance of personal protection and self-examination, and (3) to foster interest in biology among B40 students by encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
The program featured seminars by medical professionals and representatives from SkinLab Sdn. Bhd., complemented by a short video competition where students created awareness content on skin cancer and sun protection. Videos were assessed based on creativity, clarity, and public engagement, and were shared via CAID’s social media platform (@caidfsutm), reaching a broader audience beyond the school setting.
The timeline spanned several months, involving various schools across Johor. SMK Damai Jaya, SMK Mutiara Rini, and SMK Sultan Ismail actively participated, with impressive content submissions garnering thousands of views and interactions. Notably, Group 1 from SMK Damai Jaya achieved 2,682 views and 188 likes, while SMK Sultan Ismail, winner of the open category, recorded 1,193 views, totaling 4 hours and 11 minutes of watch time, with 304 meaningful interactions.
To evaluate the educational impact, students underwent pre- and post-program surveys, video-based rubrics, and interviews. The results demonstrated clear gains in knowledge, understanding, and behavioral intent. The hands-on approach and peer-led learning model significantly improved participants’ confidence in discussing health-related topics and applying what they had learned in daily life.
A crowning achievement was the development of the “Skin Cancer and Sun Awareness Toolkit”, a mobile-friendly educational resource designed for use in future awareness campaigns. The project also gained national recognition, earning a 5-star Community Project Rating and receiving media coverage in The Star on 29 October 2024.
Through this program, UTM and CAID have successfully bridged the gap between health education and youth empowerment, while igniting curiosity and responsibility among students to be ambassadors of health within their communities.
Perkasa Kesedaran Belia: Program CAID UTM Tingkatkan Kefahaman Mengenai Kanser Kulit dan Bahaya Sinaran UV
Skudai, Johor – 12 Oktober 2024 – Kumpulan Penyelidikan Cancer and Infectious Diseases (CAID) dari Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), menerusi inisiatif KTP@Fakulti, telah melaksanakan satu program komuniti berimpak tinggi bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang kanser kulit dan kesan sinaran UV. Program ini telah dilaksanakan dengan jayanya di SMK Damai Jaya, Johor dan melibatkan ceramah kesedaran, pertandingan video pendek, serta pameran interaktif STEM.
Program ini tercetus daripada kebimbangan terhadap kurangnya pengetahuan dalam kalangan pelajar, khususnya dari golongan B40, mengenai kaitan antara sinaran UV dan risiko kanser kulit. Tahap kesedaran yang rendah terhadap amalan pemeriksaan kendiri dan penggunaan pelindung matahari turut dikenal pasti, di samping kurangnya minat dalam bidang sains biologi. Justeru itu, pasukan CAID menyasarkan untuk bukan sahaja meningkatkan pengetahuan tetapi juga menyemai minat pelajar terhadap sains dan kesihatan awam.
Tiga objektif utama telah digariskan: (1) meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat terhadap bahaya sinaran UV dan kanser kulit, (2) memberi penekanan kepada kepentingan penggunaan pelindung matahari dan pemeriksaan kendiri, dan (3) memupuk minat pelajar B40 dalam bidang biologi melalui pendekatan kreatif dan inovatif.
Antara aktiviti utama termasuklah ceramah oleh pakar kesihatan dan wakil SkinLab Sdn. Bhd., serta pertandingan video pendek yang menggalakkan pelajar menghasilkan kandungan kesedaran kreatif yang dimuat naik ke media sosial rasmi CAID (@caidfsutm). Video dinilai berdasarkan kualiti persembahan, kreativiti dan jumlah interaksi awam.
Lebih daripada 50 pelajar dari SMK Damai Jaya, SMK Mutiara Rini, dan SMK Sultan Ismail menyertai program ini, dengan prestasi video yang mengagumkan – Kumpulan 1 dari SMK Damai Jaya mendapat 2,682 tontonan dan 188 suka, manakala SMK Sultan Ismail yang menjuarai kategori terbuka mencatat 1,193 tontonan, dengan lebih 304 interaksi pengguna.
Penilaian impak pendidikan dilaksanakan melalui pra dan pasca soal selidik, rubrik video dan sesi temu bual. Hasilnya menunjukkan peningkatan ketara dari segi pemahaman, kesedaran, dan kesediaan pelajar untuk mengaplikasikan ilmu dalam kehidupan harian. Kaedah penyampaian yang mesra pelajar turut meningkatkan keberkesanan penyampaian mesej kesihatan.
Antara kejayaan besar program ini adalah penghasilan “Toolkit Program Kesedaran Kanser Kulit dan Cahaya Matahari”, iaitu sumber pendidikan digital mesra mudah alih yang boleh digunakan oleh sekolah dan NGO lain. Program ini turut menerima penarafan 5 bintang dalam Community Project Rating serta liputan media dalam akhbar The Star bertarikh 29 Oktober 2024.
Melalui inisiatif ini, UTM dan CAID bukan sahaja berjaya memperkukuh kesedaran kesihatan awam dalam kalangan remaja, malah telah mencetuskan satu gelombang baharu dalam memartabatkan pendidikan kesihatan secara kreatif dan menyeluruh.
