Childhood cancer on the rise
KOTA KINABALU: Sixty to 70 new cancer patients out of 2,000 annually in Sabah are children, said Sabah State Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi.
According to Rundi, the Malaysia National Cancer Registry 2007 to 2011 reported about 8000 cases of cancer in Malaysia and eight percent of the newly diagnosed cancers are among children aged below 18.
“As for Sabah, out of the 2,000 newly diagnosed cases, childhood cancer accounted for 60 to 70 new patients yearly. According to Childhood Cancer Incidence in Malaysia 2007 to 2011, zero to 14 years, leukemia ranks the highest at 46.4% followed by brain, nervous system 14.8% and lymphoma 10.1%,” she said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Week at Imago Shopping Mall here yesterday.
“However, I would like to inform everyone that, we are seeing increasing number of children detected with cancer with the improvement of healthcare system and various awareness activities by ministry and other agencies including NGOs. This happened as we are transiting from infectious disease to noncommunicable disease whereby cancer is one of them when our country heads towards becoming high income country.
“The month of September is recognized worldwide and celebrated annually to increase awareness of childhood cancer. While much remains to be done, our country has come far in the fight to understand, treat and control childhood cancer. For your information, cancer is still the third leading cause of death in Malaysia. Every year we try to get our acts together by working hand in hand. It is a multi agency approach so ‘No Man Is An Island’,” she emphasized.
The Sabah State Health Director stressed that cancer in children is not a death sentence.
“Cancer can happen in children but it is not a death sentence. In the 90s, children with cancer were treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In early 2000, Sabah had the first Paediatric He am a to Oncologist. Currently, we have two consultants at Sabah Women and Children Hospital (HWKKS) Likas along with other dedicated personnel. This is the only centre in Sabah,” said Rundi.
“We believe that good treatment if given in a timely manner will result in good outcome provided that parents give full cooperation. We promote holistic approach to all clients which include emotional, spiritual and even financial support with the help of NGOs especially Persatuan Kanser Kanak-kanak Sabah. They are committed to ensure that the network with families and patents stays connected,” he added.
Throughout the Childhood Cancer Awareness Week program, HWKKS, Lion Club International, Junior Chamber International, Persatuan Kanser Kanak-Kanak, Shukbah Wanita Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Love and Care and Little Warrior Projects will work together.
“I hope this event will serve as a spark to continue this event in years to come. I hope the noble efforts of all parties involved in organizing this event blessed by God and ultimately provide an effective impact on the health of the community in Sabah,” said Rundi.
“I urge everyone to stand united and support our children with cancer. Early detection saves lives,” she reminded.