Number of oncologists to reach 400 by 2040

1 hour ago

Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof and health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad at the opening ceremony for the 2024 Pink October Carnival at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The number of oncologists in the country is expected to increase to 400 by 2040, up from the current 175.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this target can be achieved with Malaysia’s participation in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) in clinical oncology.

"The National Cancer Institute (IKN) will continue to be a centre of excellence and participate in the FRCR," Bernama reported him as saying.

"This aligns with the health ministry’s efforts to increase the number of oncologists," he said after the launch of the 2024 Pink October Carnival at IKN by deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof in Putrajaya today.

Also present was IKN director Anis Haron @ Harun.

Dzulkefly highlighted that colorectal cancer, or cancer of the large intestine, is the leading cause of death among men. Breast cancer is the primary cause of death among women.

He noted that the number of cancer cases detected at stages three and four had increased during the 2017-2021 period.

“This trend is a matter of great concern because the survival rate is significantly lower when cancer is detected late. Deaths can be prevented with early screening and preventive measures," he said.

Fadillah said two new centres — the Northern Region Cancer Centre in Kedah and the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak — would be set up to enable more people to get treatment nearer their homes.

At present, most cancer patients need to come to Kuala Lumpur for such treatment.

This is a significant step towards ensuring that quality cancer treatment is accessible to the public, regardless of geographical location.

Fadillah said resources would continue to be allocated to enhance research, treatment facilities and cancer prevention programmes.

Malaysia has witnessed a significant increase in reported cancer cases between 2017 and 2021, he added.

Fadillah said according to the latest National Cancer Registry Report, breast cancer remains a major threat to women in the country, with statistics showing an incidence rate of 38.9 per 100,000 women between 2017 and 2021.

As such, Fadillah emphasised the importance of strengthening efforts to raise awareness, promote prevention, enable early diagnosis and, most importantly, ensure quality treatment for those in need.

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