Seek early treatment and avoid cancer deaths, says minister

PUTRAJAYA: A major factor in the higher number of deaths due to cancer is because patients failed to seek early treatment, says Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

Almost 60% were detected at Stage III and IV due to lack of public awareness on the importance of early diagnosis and screening, the Health Minister added.

There were also patients who preferred alternative treatments after diagnosis and would only return to hospital when the cancer was at an advanced stage, he said.

“There are some people who think that cancer is a death sentence and that makes them afraid to even undergo cancer screening and they keep thinking that they are better off not knowing,” he said in a statement in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2018 yesterday.

The minister said cancer was the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia and contributed to 12.6% of deaths reported at all government hospitals nationwide in 2016.

“Prevention is better than cure,” he reminded them.

“That is why the Health Ministry is providing free screening and tests for cervical and breast cancer at its facilities across the country.

“Now, the ministry also provides early colorectal cancer screening service.

“The screening service for those cancer types are also available at private hospitals and certain non-governmental organisations with certain fees.”