Addressing Malaysia's rising cancer rates
CANCER remains a critical health challenge in Malaysia.
This rising trend highlights the urgent need for effective interventions, as experts warn that the incidence of cancer could continue to escalate significantly if proactive measures are not implemented.
When it comes to men, lung cancer is the most common type followed by colorectal and prostate cancers. For women, breast cancer is the most widespread, with colorectal and cervical cancers also being major concerns.
What is even more worrying is that more cancers are being detected at advanced stages.
This shows the urgent need to focus on preventing cancer, early detection and providing better treatments to help improve the lives of those affected.
Acting now can make a big difference for the future health of Malaysians.
Comprehensive cancer care approach
Recognising the need for comprehensive cancer care, Gleneagles Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Kota Kinabalu, which are part of IHH Healthcare Malaysia's network of 18 hospitals, are committed to providing comprehensive cancer care.
Each of these hospitals features a dedicated cancer centre equipped with advanced technology for precise diagnosis and personalised treatment options.
Over the past five years, these centres have provided care to cancer patients, highlighting the extensive expertise and commitment of these hospitals in addressing the nation's cancer burden.
These centres are supported by a team of skilled oncologists, including specialists in clinical oncology, reinforcing the hospitals' commitment to excellence across all aspects of cancer treatment.
Gleneagles Hospitals are redefining cancer care through cutting-edge technology, early detection, and patient-centric treatment, striving to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for every patient served.
Diagnostic tools for early detection
Early detection is crucial in cancer care and Gleneagles Hospitals utilise advanced technology to ensure precise and timely diagnosis.
The Digital PET-CT with Biograph Vision provides clearer imaging and enhances lesion detection, enabling oncologists to make more informed decisions.
Meanwhile, the MRI Fusion Biopsy, which merges MRI with real-time ultrasound, delivers a less invasive and more accurate process for diagnosing conditions such as prostate cancer.
Gleneagles Hospitals also offer comprehensive cancer screening programmes to detect common cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, nasopharyngeal and liver cancers.
These assist in early cancer detection, a key factor in improving survival rates and patient outcomes.
The Linear Accelerator offers targeted radiotherapy, treating cancer cells effectively while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Innovative treatment approaches
The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery system exemplifies the hospital's approach to advanced treatment options.
It allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with precision, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.
For individuals requiring radiotherapy, Gleneagles Hospitals offer treatment options such as the Linear Accelerator and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
These precisely target cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue, providing non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgeries and ensuring faster recovery times.
The da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with precision, potentially reducing recovery times and enhancing patient outcomes.
Continuing rehabilitative care
Rehabilitative care is a crucial part of the holistic care at Gleneagles Hospitals, which supports patients through every stage of their cancer journey.
Post-treatment rehabilitation and continuous monitoring improve patients' overall well-being and recovery prospects.
Cancer care for the underserved
As part of the healthcare provider's mission to reduce the disease burden and make quality healthcare accessible, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has partnered with the Health Ministry to support cancer patients from government hospitals.
Through this public-private partnership, cancer patients receive radiotherapy and radiosurgery at Gleneagles Hospitals and other IHH Healthcare Malaysia facilities.
Preferred cancer care destination for medical tourists
Gleneagles Hospitals are transforming cancer care by combining medical expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Their commitment to early detection, personalised treatment and improved patient outcomes establishes them as leaders in oncology and elevates Malaysia as a key destination for medical tourism.
Globally recognised, their excellence is certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) and recognised with prestigious awards such as 'Hospital Group of the Year APAC' and 'Medical Tourism Initiative of the Year - Malaysia' at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2024 and GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2024.
Additionally, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been honoured in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2025 rankings, further cementing its reputation for world-class healthcare.
Find out more at https://gleneagles.com.my/medical-specialties/oncology
KKLIU 1332 / EXP 31.12.2027
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Elderly pilgrim collapses in Mina as heat hits 44°C
MAKKAH: A Bangladeshi pilgrim collapsed in front of an international media accommodation in Mina yesterday as temperatures soared to 44°C, highlighting the severe heat challenges faced by millions of Muslims performing haj this year. The incident occurred about 3pm along King Abdullah Road here, where several media personnel, including Malaysians, were waiting for assignment transport. The elderly man, still in his ihram garments, appeared disoriented and breathless before being helped by journalists who offered water and shade. Recognising signs of possible heatstroke, they poured cold water over him and gave him water to drink in an attempt to stabilise him. While waiting for medical assistance, the man suddenly collapsed. He was attended to again until health personnel arrived minutes later. Emergency responders applied ice packs on his body and monitored his vital signs before taking him to a nearby healthcare facility for further treatment. The incident highlights the physical toll of the pilgrimage amid extreme weather. Temperatures yesterday ranged between 33°C and 44°C, with peak heat recorded between 9am and 3pm. Pilgrims continued performing the stoning ritual on the three jamarat, part of the mandatory haj rites for the 11th,12th and 13th Zulhijjah. Due to the extreme weather, government advisories have urged pilgrims to avoid the outdoors during peak hours. But many were still seen moving between 10am and 4pm. In anticipation of the intense heat, Saudi authorities have introduced various mitigation strategies, including cloud seeding to induce rain, widespread misting stations, free drinking water, and fully equipped health facilities. Educational campaigns have also been launched to encourage pilgrims to wear light clothing, stay hydrated and reduce physical activity during the day. These measures, along with the swift actions of first responders, have helped reduce the number of heat-related incidents this haj season. Today, pilgrims are expected to continue with the stoning ritual. Those choosing Nafar Awal will begin leaving Mina for Makkah before sunset to complete the remaining haj obligations — tawaf, sa'ie, and tahallul.
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Stalwart's call to defend future generations
PETALING JAYA: The fight against tobacco is not just about eliminating a habit; it's about safeguarding our future generations, says NV Subbarow (pic), a stalwart of Malaysia's anti-smoking movement. As an education officer with the Consumers Association of Penang, Subbarow has spent nearly 35 years championing tobacco control, recently earning the prestigious Tobacco Control Icon Award from the Health Ministry during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration. His work, which involves conducting lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions with students to highlight the dangers of smoking and vaping, has had a tangible impact that has seen many young Malaysians abandon these harmful habits. Subbarow's journey began with a focus on traditional cigarettes, but as the landscape of tobacco use evolved, so did his strategies. 'When I started, it was just cigarettes. Now, the rise of disposable vapes presents a new challenge. 'These devices, often marketed in enticing flavours and easily accessible, have become a simple and inexpensive alternative for many, particularly the youth,' he said, adding that his interactions revealed a concerning trend. 'Children as young as eight or nine have been experimenting with vapes left unattended by family members. 'It's shocking when children say they were encouraged to try these gadgets under the guise of fruit flavours,' he said, highlighting a disturbing trend of rural vapers mixing substances like drugs and stimulants with the vaporiser's liquid. To achieve both educational and cautionary results, Subbarow said he uses vivid imagery of nicotine's effects and the dangers of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) to drive home the risks. 'Seeing these images often frightens students into quitting immediately,' he said, adding that the fear of having erectile dysfunction also works among older male students. As Subbarow looks to the future, his resolve is unshaken. Subbarow draws inspiration from figures such as the late SM Mohd Idris, the former president of CAP, and Dr Mary Assunta, an internationally renowned tobacco control researcher, whose legacies fuel his unwavering determination. 'Winning the award doesn't stop my campaign. I've got five more school programmes lined up after the holidays. 'I won't give up until Malaysia is smoke-free,' he said, adding that 20 students are currently seeking his guidance to quit vaping. So far, he has reached about 30,000 individuals, including students, undergraduates, and youths from various backgrounds. Teachers and parents have called him to convey their gratitude, sharing stories of how their children have abandoned the smoking culture. Subbarow also called for stronger policies, including the Generational Endgame Bill aimed at a tobacco-free society by 2040. 'Without action, the vape culture will lead to more drug addicts in our country. 'The Malaysian government cannot wait further to implement a total ban on smoking and vaping products, whether they come with flavours or otherwise. 'State governments that delay action are sitting on a ticking time bomb, creating a critical issue,' he said.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Delay on GP fee review: 'Face realities on the ground,' NACCOL told
A DOCTORS' group has expressed disappointment over the government's failure to to revise private general practitioners' (GP) consultation fees as promised. 'We note with deep disappointment that the Health Minister's promise to finalise the long-overdue review of private GP consultation fees within a month has now passed without action,' said Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations, Malaysia (FPMPAM) president Dr Shanmuganthan TV Ganeson. 'Private GPs have been self-funding the essential primary care system for decades. Yet we remain shackled by consultation fees that have not changed in 33 years, while regulations and compliance costs continue to rise.' Recall that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad told reporters on May 3 that the issue about GP consultation fees would be resolved 'within one month at the latest', adding that he had already prepared a Cabinet memorandum and circular. During Dzulkefly's May 3 press conference, the Health Minister claimed that the National Action Committee on the Cost of Living (NACCOL) had already agreed to a review of GP consultation fees. 'The Malaysian Medical Association and other GP bodies have presented a clear, evidence-based case for a fee update that ensures the sustainability of primary care clinics and the quality of care for our patients,' Dr Shanmuganathan said. 'We understand that NACCOL has raised concerns about the impact of the fee update. We want to remind NACCOL that these concerns are misplaced. 'Patients who visit GPs choose to do so for immediate, quality care—often to avoid hospital queues and costly specialist visits. They are willing to pay a fair fee for this timely service. 'Past analyses by NACCOL itself showed no significant impact on the Consumer Price Index, even with proposed fee updates as far back as 2019.' Moreover, Dr Shanmuganathan noted that third-party administrators have for too long suppressed GP consultation fees for corporate profit, while the Pharmaceutical Services Division, certain pharmacy groups, and even Pharma Corporations have lobbied to undermine the integrated GP clinic model that has served Malaysians well for over 60 years. 'The government must not hide behind a narrative that keeping GP fees artificially low somehow serves the public good,' he stressed. 'In reality, it threatens the survival of primary care—the most cost-effective part of our healthcare system—and shifts costs to patients in other ways. 'NACCOL must face these realities. It must not deny GPs the means to sustain their practices and continue serving communities effectively. 'We call on the Health Minister to honour his promise and on NACCOL to remove its obstacles and allow this long-overdue correction. Anything less is a disservice to GPs and the communities we care for daily.' ‒ June 6, 2025 Main image: The Straits Times
