According to Dr Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam, a clinical oncologist with the Health Ministry, most cancer cases in Sabah are only detected at the end stages. Dr Ros Suzanna called for more awareness programmes and initiatives regarding health screenings and awareness of bodily changes. The Sabah Cancer Registry reported a total of 8,818 new cancer cases in the state from 2012 to 2016, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 94.8 for males and 111.1 for females per 100,000 population. Kota Kinabalu has the highest number of cases, followed by Sandakan and Tawau. The five most common types of cancer reported were breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and lymphoma. Colorectal cancer was the most common type in men, while breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers were most common in women. Dr Ros Suzanna also highlighted that up to 66.6% of patients were diagnosed at Stage Three or Four.
Dr Marcus Netto, director of the Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas, mentioned that insufficient manpower and outdated equipment are major challenges in cancer treatment. He emphasized the need to update radiotherapy and related equipment every 10 or 15 years. Due to late-stage diagnoses, many patients end up in palliative care instead of receiving adequate treatment.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew assured that the government is making efforts to provide accessible and quality healthcare services to patients. She stated that the current infrastructure can meet the demands, despite the growing trend of medical tourism in the state.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
