Liver cancer focus of this year’s World Cancer Day awareness event at UKM

The Academy of Medicine Malaysia (AMM) and the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), recently organized a Liver Cancer Awareness Day in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2024. The public event was aimed at bringing the university closer to the community.

Among those who attended the event was Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who inaugurated the occasion. During his address, he acknowledged the efforts of UKM’s Faculty of Medicine in bringing the community and the university together through this outreach program.

In his address, Dzulkefly said: “There is no doubt that cancer is on the rise. I strongly believe that, as a community, we should learn what cancer is and most importantly to remove the taboo behind the word ‘cancer’. I’m sure some of us here have heard about cancer survivors living healthy and normal lives after their diagnosis and treatment.” Approximately 51,650 new cancer cases and 31,633 cancer deaths were reported in 2022 in Malaysia (Available at https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheet.pdf Accessed on 15 February 2024). He noted that the incidence of cancer in Malaysia will increase two-fold by 2040.

At present, liver cancer is among the top five most prevalent cancers in Malaysia, alongside breast, colorectal, lung, and nasopharyngeal cancers. Unfortunately, primary liver cancer ie., those that originate from the liver, is associated with one of the worst outcomes. This is largely due to its late-stage diagnosis, which is typically when symptoms become noticeable, Dzulkefly added.

Liver cancer can be caused by cirrhosis; chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection; or fatty liver either from alcohol consumption, or metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), an obesity-linked condition.  [Available at https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/liver-cancer Accessed on 16 February 2024] Most of these are modifiable, with hepatitis B preventable via vaccination, hepatitis C being curable with a course of antivirals, and fatty liver disease reversible through weight loss and medication.

During the event, there was a public forum on liver cancer where individuals affected by the disease shared their experiences. There were also mammogram screening, metabolic disease screening, hepatitis B and C screening, fatty liver screening (Fibroscan® and ultrasound), consultation by experts, quizzes, and lucky draws. Additionally, a panel discussion was held between experts from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, university hospitals, agencies, and medical associations, around the topics of improving access to affordable cancer treatments and reducing disparities in cancer care.

Also present at the event were Professor Dato’ Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid (Pro Vice Chancellor Kuala Lumpur Campus UKM), Professor Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor (Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UKM), Professor Datin Dr Marina Mat Baki (Deputy Dean of Industry Community and Partnerships Affairs), Professor Dato’ Dr Razman Jarmin (Director of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM), Professor Datuk Dr Ismail Sagap (Director of Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM), Professor Dr Rosmawati Mohamed from the Academy of Medicine Malaysia, as well as various hospital directors and heads of department.