SHAH ALAM: Some 88% of Malaysians aged 50 and above have by no means been screened for colorectal most cancers, says the Well being Ministry.
Expressing concern over the statistics, Well being Ministry Medical Growth Division director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob mentioned that colorectal most cancers was the second commonest most cancers amongst females, whereas males are additionally in danger.
In accordance with the Nationwide Most cancers Society of Malaysia, colorectal most cancers is the commonest most cancers amongst males.
“It’s higher to know your standing so you’ll be able to take the required measures,” Dr Mohd Azman advised reporters after attending the Colorectal Most cancers Consciousness Run right here yesterday.
He was representing Well being Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on the occasion.
Dr Mohd Azman mentioned early detection would see a survival price of as much as 90% for these recognized at Stage 1 and a couple of.
“Among the many primary elements (of the most cancers) is way of life. On the similar time, early detection is essential.
“In case you are detected in Stage 1 and a couple of, the five-year survival price is way increased in contrast with these at Stage 3 and 4 as it could have already unfold to different components of the physique,” he mentioned.
He added that colorectal most cancers, also called colon most cancers, had an 83.8% prevalence amongst these aged 50 and above, in line with statistics from the Nationwide Most cancers Registry between 2012 and 2016.
“They (sufferers) got here at late phases as they had been unaware of the signs,” he mentioned.
Among the many outstanding signs are modifications in bowel habits corresponding to diarrhoea.
Dr Mohd Azman mentioned there have been about 3,000 new colorectal most cancers instances yearly.
He mentioned it was extra prevalent among the many Chinese language ethnic group, in line with Nationwide Most cancers Registry figures.
“That is based mostly on information and never mere hypothesis,” he mentioned.
Dr Mohd Azman urged the general public to go for well being screenings for early detection and prevention.
“Malaysians have the worry issue and are afraid of being knowledgeable about having sure illnesses as many really feel it’s the top of their lives.
“We have to change this notion,” he mentioned, including that screening was not just for circumstances like hypertension and diabetes.
Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons president Dr Luqman Mazlan mentioned colorectal most cancers was widespread, with surgeons seeing new instances virtually each week.
He added that two-thirds of instances had been already at a complicated stage.
“Figuring out it at an early stage could be good for sufferers,” he mentioned.
Whereas screening will not be necessary in Malaysia, Dr Luqman urged all who attain 45 years outdated, even these asymptomatic, to get screened.
“The entire function of screening is to catch it earlier than the signs current themselves. When the signs come, it could be too late.
“Go to your nearest healthcare amenities and get checked,” he mentioned.