BIG CARiNG Group together with Rotary Club of KL DiRaja & NCSM to Expand Efforts on Early Prostate Cancer Detection through ‘Project Blue Dot’

Good news!  Recently BIG CARiNG Group, comprising BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Ting Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (RCKL DiRaja) and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to join RCKL DiRaja’s Project Blue Dot, an initiative to expand access to early screening and detection of prostate cancer for Malaysian men, especially those from B40 community and high risk groups.

BIG CARiNG Group together with Rotary Club of KL DiRaja & NCSM to Expand Efforts on Early Prostate Cancer Detection through ‘Project Blue Dot’

The MOU was signed by Mr. Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARiNG Group, Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao, President of RCKL DiRaja and Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, President of NCSM. 

Project Blue Dot is an initiative and awareness to expand access to free screening and early detection of prostate cancer for Malaysian men, especially those from the B40 community and high-risk groups.

Prostate cancer is now the third most common cancer among Malaysian men , yet more than 60% of cases are only diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage 3 and 4)  when treatment options narrow and outcomes worse. Despite the elevated risk after age 40, outreach programmes have reported men declining prostate exams due to cultural sensitivities and misconceptions that checks are unnecessary unless one is older or symptomatic , even though a simple PSA blood test can detect abnormalities early. 

Screenings under Project Blue Dot will be available at selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG pharmacy stores in Klang Valley starting 15 Nov 2025 to 11 Jan 2026. Men aged 45 and above, especially those from B40 communities or with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to participate.

As the driving force behind Project Blue Dot, RCKL DiRaja subsidises Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings and coordinates follow-up support for individuals who require further investigation after testing. NCSM is the clinical lead, providing medical personnel, screening protocols and laboratory analysis. BIG CARiNG Group will extend the initiative’s outreach by providing convenient screening locations through its BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy network.

Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao, President of  the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja 2025/2026 shared, “Many men still feel uncomfortable talking about their health, especially anything involving the prostate. Through Project Blue Dot, we hope to help normalise these conversations and make it stigma-free. Getting screened is not a sign of weakness, it is a responsible act of strength. When communities talk openly, more men step forward. More importantly, this initiative intends to support prostate cancer awareness, screening, treatment and survivorship through early detection and a strong support community.”

As its first major milestone, Project Blue Dot will provide 3,000 free prostate cancer screenings available to Malaysian men aged 45 and above from B40 and high-risk groups.

Dr. Malwinder Singh Sandhu, Clinical Oncologist and the Project Lead for Project Blue Dot said, “Project Blue Dot goes beyond just screening, it’s an effort to ensure no man with a high PSA result is left without follow-up or access to care. The Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur Diraja not only subsidises the PSA tests, but through partnerships with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre, it has made it possible for men with elevated PSA levels to receive free urologist consultations and subsidised diagnostic procedures such as biopsies and PET PSMA scans, when required. The project also extends support towards treatment costs, including advanced options such as radiotherapy using SBRT.”

“Up to 20 B40 patients will receive full financial assistance for diagnostic and treatment services. Project Blue Dot will run until June 2026, reinforcing a long-term commitment to ensure early detection is matched with complete and continuous care,” added Dr. Malwinder. 

Dato' Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President of National Cancer Society of Malaysia said, “Prostate cancer often progresses silently, which is why so many men are diagnosed at a later stage. A simple PSA test is quick, painless, and can be the difference between early, treatable disease and a life-threatening condition. Through Project Blue Dot, we’re bringing medical expertise directly into communities, helping to make preventive screening a natural and essential part of everyday health behaviour.”

Beyond screenings, Project Blue Dot aims to reach 2 million Malaysian men with prostate cancer awareness, support treatment through financial and emotional aid and survivorship through the creation of a “Prostate Warriors” support community. The initiative will roll out first in the Klang Valley before expanding to other cities in the country. 

“Pharmacies are where Malaysians often take their first step when something feels ‘off’. Through Project Blue Dot, we will be offering screening directly within our BIG and CARiNG Pharmacy stores because early detection should be accessible, affordable and convenient. Together with RCKL DiRaja and NCSM, we hope to remove the anxiety and stigma that stop men from seeking help, building on our flagship ‘Ribbon of Hope’ initiative that champions cancer care and awareness,” said Mr. Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARiNG Group.

The event also featured an important panel discussion, “The Turning 40s Wake-Up Call: Starting Conversations About Prostate Health Early”, featuring Dato' Dr. Prakash Rao, RCKL DiRaja President; Dr. Malwinder Singh Sandhu, Clinical Oncologist and Project Lead for Project Blue Dot; Dato’ Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram, NCSM President and Yeow Shiau Hueh, Assistant Manager, Pharmacy Practice at BIG CARiNG Group. The discussion highlighted how early risks begin and why symptoms often appear late, while emphasising how pharmacies and community organisations can serve as approachable first touchpoints for men’s health — a critical step in addressing health hesitation gap, where many men delay or avoid medical checks altogether.

For more information about BIG CARiNG Group together with Rotary Club of KL DiRaja & NCSM to Expand Efforts on Early Prostate Cancer Detection through ‘Project Blue Dot’ please visit BIG Pharmacy Facebook and Instagram or CARiNG Pharmacy Facebook and Instagram