Cancer In Malaysia
The incidence of cancer is on the rise in Malaysia. It can strike anyone regardless of colour, creed or status.
Nearly 70,000 new cases were reported over a two-year period recently, with breast cancer the biggest threat.
The new cases were diagnosed among Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia between 2003 and 2005, according to a report released in early 2008 on the incidence of the disease in West Malaysia.
The Cancer Incidence in Peninsular Malaysia 2003-2005 report, published by the National Cancer Registry (NCR), states that the total 67,792 new cases were diagnosed among 29,596 males (43.7 per cent) and 38,196 females (56.3 per cent). The annual crude rate for males was 100.2 per cent per 100,000 population, and 132.1 per cent per 100,000 for females.
The most frequent cancer during this period in Malaysians was breast cancer (18 per cent) followed by large bowel cancer (11.9 per cent) and lung cancer (7.4 per cent).
Despite a grim outlook, all hope is not lost. Between 30 and 50 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented if you practice a healthy lifestyle, undergo regular checks for early detection, and seek the right treatment when necessary.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer deaths in Malaysia. In fact, 95 per cent of lung cancer patients die within five years of diagnosis. A whopping 90 per cent of lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. The occurrence of lung cancer is also high among non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke (passive smoking).
Breast Cancer
The most common cancer and the number one cause of cancer deaths among women in Malaysia is breast cancer. This cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells within the breast tissue.
If not detected and treated promptly, breast cancer can metastasise, spreading to the lymph glands and other parts of the body, including lungs, bones and liver.
This is the most common gynaecological malignancy, and the second most prevalent cause of deaths among female cancer patients in Malaysia. With the number of cases diagnosed increasing over the years, the importance of early detection and treatment is becoming more apparent.
Leukaemia is a rare disease in children. However, it is the most common form of childhood cancer. According to the most recent Cancer Incidence in Peninsular Malaysia, 2003 – 2005 report, leukaemia remained the most frequent cancer incidence among male and female Malaysian children from birth up to 14 years. However, over the last decade, there have been major advances in the treatment of leukaemia in children. As a result, a considerable number of children can now be effectively cured. However, some forms of leukaemia can be treated more successfully than others.
source:
MAKNA – Majlis Kanser Nasional
BG 03A & O5, Ground Floor,
Megan Ambassy,
No 225, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia