KUCHING: About 300 to 350 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed annually in government hospitals across Sarawak.
Sarawak General Hospital’s (SGH) Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Dr Kenneth Voon Kher Ti said medical professionals believe there could be many more at private hospitals.
“While the number of male and female patients is nearly equal, the majority of cases, which is 70 per cent, are diagnosed at stage three or stage four of the disease.
“Despite this, stage three cancer is still treatable and we aim to provide patients with the best possible care and cure,” Voon said to reporters on Wednesday (March 8) at the launching for the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2023.
“SGH is the main hospital in the state, with additional hospitals located in Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, and Sarikei.
“Patients diagnosed with early-stage cancer or those with less complex cases are treated at their local hospital, while patients with advanced cancer or complex cases are referred to Sibu or Kuching for specialised treatment.
“For patients from Miri, Limbang and Lawas, we will fly over to Miri hospital to perform surgery there,” he said.
In SGH alone, he said, there are approximately 150 cancer patients treated each year, with three to four surgeries performed each week.
