PETALING JAYA: Dietary changes and a lackadaisical attitude among Malaysians towards undergoing health screening were among the reasons that led to a rise in colorectal and lung cancer, say medical experts.
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia managing director, Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, said changes in eating habits owing to the abundance and availability of processed meat in recent years are beginning to reflect the present trend.
“There have been huge changes in our dietary habits, particularly the intake of processed meat.
“Back then, a family would only eat fast food once every few months.
“It was considered a treat. Nowadays, processed meat is readily available, with some children even eating fast food twice a day,” he said when contacted.
Dr Murallitharan said the number of colorectal and lung cancer cases detected at stages 3 and 4 is on the rise.
He attributed this to the low pick-up rate among Malaysians going for health screenings, despite the reasonable rates at government clinics and private medical facilities.
“We offer about 100,000 free general health screenings a year, while the government provides about four to five million free screenings.
“However, the take-up rate for colorectal screenings is less than 20%.
“This means only two out of 10 people go for such screening, although it is free at government clinics and about RM20 at private health facilities,” he said.
On the rise of lung cancer cases and late detection, Dr Murallitharan said it was due to a lackadaisical attitude among tobacco smokers.
“Although studies revealed 95% of lung cancer is due to smoking, smokers are not paying heed.
“They will only go for a medical check-up when they start coughing blood or suffer breathing difficulties.
“By then, it may be too late, as the cancer would have developed to stage 4,” he said.
KPJ Damansara colorectal surgeon Dr Shafhawi Adznan said there is a pattern among patients with similar risk factors.
He also agreed that changes in dietary habits in recent years are among the main causes of this type of cancer.
“High intakes of processed foods, red meat and fast food can lead to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
“The increased reliance on these types of meals may cause changes in our bowels that can lead to cancer,” he added.
Dr Shafhawi suggested a change in the approach to how health screenings are currently done to detect cancer.
“Early detection equals better survival.
“Rather than having blanket health screening programmes, a more targeted screening approach could be adopted,” he said.
He also said education and awareness were crucial, particularly in removing the societal stigma against those suffering from the illness.
“Malaysians should adopt more healthy diets, including undergoing regular medical check-ups, to detect the threat of cancer at its early stages,” he added.
Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons president Dr Luqman Mazlan also attributed a more sedentary lifestyle and dietary changes in recent years as possible factors that led to cancer.
“The people are more inclined to a Western diet with less fibre, more red meat, and processed food.
“We suggest periodic screening upon reaching 45, especially for those with a family history of cancer.
“Do a faecal blood test or a colonoscopy. If there is no family history, repeat the screening every two years,” he said.
