As proactive support dwindles post-treatment, many cancer survivors can face emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. “Emotional and mental health problems that survivors may face—such as anxiety, stress and insomnia—can make thinking and learning harder,” Dale says. “We are here to help.”

Through Thrive’s programmes, survivors can address these unmet psychological and social needs. Dale says that they have worked with AMindset, a global counselling services organisation and the Chinese University of Hong Kong to come up with programmes such as e-learning modules, peer support groups and one-on-one counselling to alleviate emotional struggles. 

According to a study by the World Health Organization in March 2024, 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases are linked to infections from HPV, a virus which is commonly transmitted through sexual contact. Given this context, there is a level of stigma that patients with cervical or HPV-related cancers have to navigate.

Dale says, “Almost all sexually active people can be infected by HPV, usually without symptoms. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body. Screening and testing are immensely important. HPV testing should be considered as normal as going to the dentist.”

However, the barrier here is largely educational. Many women do not realise that they need to do a pap smear regularly and still feel embarrassed about this test. Meanwhile, in 2022, cervical cancer claimed the lives of 58 per cent of women worldwide, and of these, 18 per cent are from mainland China.

These numbers show that there is an acute need to drive the conversation around this aspect of women’s healthcare. “Women’s health should not be an uncomfortable topic—or a day to celebrate. It needs to be the very fabric of conversation and consideration,” says Dale. “We encourage men and women to speak with their friends or partners or healthcare providers about any concerns or changes they notice, reinforcing the message that proactive health measures can make a difference in all areas of women’s health.”

It’s no secret that Hong Kong’s public healthcare system, while great, is burdened with rising demand and a long waiting period. In that situation, mental health requirements can get deprioritised over physical needs. And that is where Thrive can come in.

“The Hong Kong public healthcare system is doing the best it can, under the pressures it faces. When undergoing medical and clinical support, emotional and psychological needs can often get overlooked,” says Dale. “This is where KLF—and Thrive—are in a unique position to help. We are fortunate to be able to deliver this fully funded programme at zero cost to participants.

“The hospital systems are fantastic at taking care of patients, but life can be challenging when the patient comes home. They need to reintegrate into their community, at their workplace and into larger society. Thrive is here to support that reintegration,” she adds.

As Thrive continues to grow, it aims to broaden its offerings in multiple languages to appeal to more patients. “Although the modules and the programme itself are currently only in English and Cantonese, we are hoping that with the success of this programme, we will be able to translate it into other languages; Hindi and Mandarin programmes are in the works,” says Dale. The team also wants to roll it out to other regions eventually.

Through all this, its mission remains clear: to empower cancer survivors and their families to lead fulfilling lives—and ultimately change the narrative around cancer.

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This article is part of Business of Good, a series that spotlights global leaders and how they meet the challenges of the modern world through innovation and impactful action. Find new stories every Wednesday on TatlerAsia.com.

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