KUCHING: Sarawak records an average of 350 new cases of colorectal cancer each year, with a staggering 70 per cent already diagnosed at advanced stages 3 and 4.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian said cancer is not necessarily a death sentence, provided it is detected early for it to be treated and cured.
“It is crucial to detect it early as (unfortunately) patients diagnosed at stage 4 have significantly lower chances of full recovery,” he said.
Citing the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud as an example of successful early detection, where the former chief minister and Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak was diagnosed at stage 1, and this enabled him to live for over 20 years despite battling colorectal cancer.
“Therefore, I urge those who are having some similar symptoms not to hesitate to go for screening or diagnosis, without further delay,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Campaign at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here today as March is the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.
Dr Sim also pointed out that although the risk of getting colorectal cancer can increase, or affect mostly those aged 50 and above, Sarawak has patients as young as 16-year-old.
Therefore, he said, it is important to raise awareness and promote screening activities, to treat the disease successfully.
Colorectal cancer screenings can be done at any public health clinic in Sarawak, which is a process aimed at looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms, and which can save lives by diagnosing it earlier.
Then, the process will continue at the specialist clinic, at the surgical department and specially in the colorectal unit.
“So, please take the opportunity (and come forward to test yourself). Your health is your responsibility, not the doctor or the hospital’s responsibility.
“Always take good care of yourself not only after something serious (illness) happens to you” he stressed.
He also emphasised the significance of adopting a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to mitigate the risk of colorectal cancer, echoing preventive measures against various illnesses.
Sarawak Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah, SGH Director Dr Ngian Hie Ung, SGH Colorectal Unit head (Surgical Department) Dr Kenneth Voon as well as organising chairwoman Prof Madya Dr Aini Fahriza Ibrahim, who is also a lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), were among those present.
