‘DIGESTIVE DISEASES A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE’
They are the sixth highest cause of death among Malaysians, says study
DIGESTIVE diseases are fast becoming one of Malaysia’s serious health issues. The diseases are the fourth cause of admissions to private hospitals, seventh to public hospitals and the sixth highest cause of death among Malaysians, according to a study.
This was revealed by Health (Public Health) deputy directorgeneral Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar at the opening of the World Health Day 2018 at Sunway Velocity shopping mall here yesterday.
He said the study was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, headed by gastroenterologist and consultant Associate Professor Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali.
“Data from the National Cancer Registry report released in 2014 revealed colorectal cancer remained the second most common cancer among Malaysians.”
He said cancer could occur at all ages but the risk increased in line with age, especially after 60. Statistics show that incidence rates in men exceed women.
“To date, the results of the study have shown that probiotic intake is effective in reducing intestinal transit time.
“This means the food consumed can be absorbed and removed from the body more effectively in a short period of time.
“I applaud the efforts of Dr Raja Affendi and his team in investigating factors affecting digestive health among Malaysians,” he said.
The World Digestive Health Day was organised by Vitagen Health Digestive Programme in collaboration with the Malaysian Digestive Health Association. The 10th anniversary celebration has been held at the Sunway Velocity shopping centre since June 28 and will end today.
Members of the public are invited to attend the programme that provides free health checks.