Regular medical check-ups can detect cancer at early stage - Dr Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) – Malaysians are encouraged to go for regular medical check-ups which could detect cancer at the early stage and to always be aware of cancer signs.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said most cancer cases, however, were diagnosed late, often at stage three or four, due to the lack of awareness, irregular medical check-ups or lack of appropriate screening.

"Early and accurate detection is key to early intervention of any cancer to greatly increase the chances of successful treatment,” he said at the relaunch of the Cancer Centre at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL), here, today.

According to the Health Ministry, appproximately 100,000 Malaysians suffer from cancer each year.

On a related development, Dr Dzulkefly said the government had allocated RM20 million for the benefit of 70,000 women to get free mammogram screening, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and Pap smear tests next year.

Meanwhile, the Cancer Centre PHKL has expanded its radiotherapy and oncology services to provide fully-integrated care for its cancer patients all at a single centre. Its chemotherapy daycare is now able to provide chemotherapy treatment for up to 35 patients per day in a more conducive environment with less time spent waiting.

-- BERNAMA