Cancer screenings to create awareness, overcome late-stage diagnoses

Cancer cases are on the rise in Malaysia with a significant impact on the population’s health. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), 1-in-10 men and 1-in-9 women are at risk of being diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. More than 63 percent of the patients were diagnosed in late stages where treatment options were limited and healthcare costs increased. [https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/2012-2016%20(MNCRR)/MNCR_2012-2016_FINAL_(PUBLISHED_2019).pdf?force_isolation=true. Accessed on 22 December 2023.]

Patients have been diagnosed late due to multiple reasons including a lack of awareness over cancer symptoms, a general reluctance to seek early medical intervention, and the prevalence of myths about cancer. However, identifying the early warning signs of cancer is crucial. While it is challenging to pinpoint specific symptoms and link them to the diverse array of cancer types, general early warning signs should be heeded. These include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, chronic pain, skin changes, and alterations in bowel or bladder habits. These symptoms should serve as a clear call to action, urging individuals to seek immediate medical evaluation.

The most common cancers in Malaysia, documented in new cases as of 2020, are cancers of the breast, colorectal, lung, nasopharyngeal and liver. These represent about half of all cancer cases diagnosed in the country. [https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheets.pdf. Accessed on 22 December 2023.] Regular health screenings are essential for early detection as cancer can develop silently, progressing unnoticed until advanced stages. Some of the common screening methods based on cancer types are listed in Table 1.

A vision for comprehensive and accessible treatment

Cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, requiring seamless collaboration between various healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and nurses. However, the uneven distribution of healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, can hinder patients’ accessibility to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Icon Sunsuria, a joint venture between Icon Cancer Centre and Sunsuria Healthcare, aims to bridge the gaps by providing comprehensive cancer care in Malaysia. “This vision is grounded in a patient-centric approach that leverages partnerships between healthcare providers—with the end goal of creating a healthcare ecosystem that ensures that every Malaysian has access to best-in-class cancer care,” said Audrey Ooi, chief executive officer of Sunsuria Healthcare.

The recent alliance between Icon Sunsuria and Island Hospital is poised to enhance access to quality care by offering cutting-edge treatments, as well as comprehensive and coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team of experts. Ooi hopes to establish more cancer centres across Malaysia in the next 5 to 7 years.