KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is preparing to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the impending cancer crisis in the country, according to Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Dr Dzulkefly stated that the country recorded 48,639 new cases of cancer and 29,530 cancer-related deaths in 2020, with these alarming numbers projected to double by 2040.
Speaking at the Liver Cancer Awareness Day ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Feb 4), he highlighted liver cancer as one of the five most common types of cancer in Malaysia, largely attributed to the increasing rate of obesity.
“Obesity raises the risk of fatty liver disease or Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease, which is a primary contributor to liver cancer,” Dr Dzulkefly explained.
“The latest National Health and Morbidity Survey has reported that about 50% of adults and 30% of children in Malaysia are already overweight or obese, and this figure is expected to continue increasing annually,” he added.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat this negative trend in the future.
“Aside from advancements in cancer treatment, we must also focus on improving the general population’s access to essential health services, as most cancer specialists and treatment facilities are typically only available in urban areas or major hospitals,” he emphasized.
In response, the ministry plans to collaborate with non-profit global telementoring medical education organization Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes).
Through the use of videoconferencing, the aim is to provide healthcare providers in rural and isolated areas with the knowledge, mentorship, and support they need to care for patients in their communities.
