NCCM 2025: MOH To Focus On Lung Health Prevention And AI
In this regard Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the three-day National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2025, jointly organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Sunway University starting today, is aligned with the ministry's plan in charting the next chapter of the strategic plan for cancer which is more data-driven, inclusive and forward-looking approach.
'Cancer remains one of the most pressing and devastating challenges in our fight against the pandemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
'According to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, we now record over 169,000 reported cancer cases, an increase of 47 per cent from the previous cycle. The lifetime risk of cancer has also increased to one in eight Malaysians,' he said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of NCCM 2025 themed 'Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives', at Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, here today.
Dzulkefly said in response to the rising threat of lung cancer, the ministry introduced the Lung Health Initiative during last year's NCCM which is currently among the top three most common cancers in Malaysia and a leading cause of death.
He said Malaysia led the way on the global stage in cancer prevention and early detection with the adoption of the global resolution entitled Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), co-sponsored by 15 other WHO member states.
'This is a historic milestone not just for Malaysia, but for global public health. It reflects our belief in a whole-of-planet approach for lung health that integrates prevention, digital innovation, and people-centred care.
'Implementation is already underway, across six states namely Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being utilised for chest X-rays in selected health clinics and government hospitals for interpretation, improving accuracy and accelerating early detection for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses,' he said.
Dzulkefly also commended National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for extending the effort through mobile AI X-ray units, which help screen underserved communities and workers in industrial settings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia urged to boost healthcare, social support for ageing population
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs to focus on healthcare and social support systems to ensure a healthy and dignified ageing process for its population, according to market research firm Ipsos Sdn Bhd. A recent Ipsos survey titled Attitudes Towards Ageing 2025 revealed that Malaysians expect to live an average of 15 years in their senior years. The study also found that Malaysians now consider old age to begin at 60, compared to 56 seven years ago. The survey noted that Malaysia and Southeast Asia show a more positive outlook on ageing compared to developed nations, where longer lifespans do not always translate to optimism. 'This outlook among Malaysians may be influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, as well as support from family and the community,' Ipsos stated. Despite this positivity, Malaysia faces challenges as it is projected to become an ageing nation by 2043. 'Malaysia must prioritise investment in healthcare and social support to ensure people age healthily and meaningfully,' Ipsos emphasised. The survey involved 23,745 adults under 75 across 32 countries, with old age perceptions varying globally. France defines old age at 72, Thailand at 68, Great Britain at 67, Japan at 65, the Philippines at 60, and Indonesia at 59. Ipsos Managing Director Arun Menon highlighted that Malaysia's perception of old age has shifted by four years since 2018. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025–2045 to ensure inclusive development for the elderly. The NAB includes plans for an efficient Long-Term Care system, elderly care regulations, and social protection for caregivers. - Bernama
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Dzulkefly welcomes study on hiring Indonesian nurses
PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has welcomed the Public Service Commission's (PSC) proposal to conduct a detailed study on the suggestion by the Indonesian Consul-General in Johor, Sigit S Widiyanto, to establish a strategic collaboration with Malaysian hospitals to allow Indonesian nurses to serve in the country. Dzulkefly said he had taken note of the proposal and instructed his ministry to work with the Public Service Department (PSD) on the matter. "Whatever the outcome of the study, I have emphasised that it must take into account the interests of the public, the welfare of Health Ministry (MoH) staff, and the effectiveness of the national healthcare delivery system," he said in a post on X today. He added that, for now, the MoH would continue addressing the shortage of nurses through various measures as previously outlined. However, he said there was no quick solution to the critical situation, which could be partly attributed to internal factors such as the moratorium on private nursing colleges, which was lifted in 2024, and the absence of new intakes at MoH Training Institutes (ILKKM) for two years during the pandemic. On Saturday, Berita Harian reported that PSC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus had said a comprehensive study was necessary before any proposal or policy to recruit Indonesian nurses for government hospitals could be implemented. He was quoted as saying the move was important to prevent the issue from becoming a polemic that would ultimately benefit no party. Ahmad Jailani stressed that the matter involved national policy and required in-depth discussions to reach the best possible decision. Yesterday in Perlis, Dzulkefly confirmed that no discussions or official applications had been made regarding the proposal to recruit Indonesian nurses for government hospitals.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Kelantan issues 8,369 smoking offence notices under new health act
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Health Department issued 8,369 notices under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), collecting almost RM2 million in fines from October last year to July this year. Its director, Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin, said it involved 7,219 cases in designated no-smoking areas, 658 cases of failure to display a no-smoking warning sign and 453 cases involving minors. 'In addition, there were 24 cases of premises owners providing smoking facilities, two cases of advertising smoking products, nine cases of failure to display no-sale signage to minors, three cases of selling cigarettes at prices not in compliance with regulations, and one case of a minor purchasing cigarettes,' he said in a statement today. He emphasised that the department is committed to strengthening the enforcement of Act 852 and will not compromise on any violations of the law. - Bernama
