Cancer

Cancer

Cancer in Malaysia

The term "cancer" refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells.

Its etymology traces back to the Latin word "crab". Typically, a billion cells are necessary for a cancerous mass to reach a diameter of 1cm or weigh 1g, which is the threshold detectable by imaging technologies.

As per the National Cancer Registry 2002 report:

- Peninsular Malaysia saw over 26,000 new cancer diagnoses.
- In contrast to Singapore, Malaysian women exhibit a higher cancer incidence (55%) compared to men (45%).
- The likelihood of Malaysians contracting cancer in their lifetime is 1 in 5.5 (1 in 4 for Chinese, 1 in 5 for Indians, and 1 in 7 for Malays).

Common cancers in Malaysia include:

- Lung cancer ranks highest among Malaysian males, followed by nasopharyngeal cancer.
- For females, breast cancer is predominant, followed by cervical cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is on the rise among both genders.

Risk factors encompass various elements such as age, family history, smoking, lifestyle choices, viral infections, and exposure to ionizing radiation.

- Tobacco usage accounts for about 30% of cancer cases, affecting organs like the lung, oral cavity, cervix, pancreas, and urinary bladder.
- Human Papilloma virus transmission through sexual activity with multiple partners is linked to cervical cancer.
- Hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cancer, although hereditary factors contribute minimally to cancer incidence.

Certain occupations, notably in asbestos and wood industries, heighten the risk of lung and nasopharyngeal cancers respectively.

Dietary habits contribute to around 30% of cancer cases, with saturated fats associated with breast, uterine, ovarian, and colon cancers. Low-fiber diets are linked to colon cancer, while excessive pickled food consumption increases the risk of stomach cancer.

Prevention measures play a crucial role:

- Adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent up to two-thirds of all cancers.
- Simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber can significantly reduce cancer risks.

Early detection is key:

- Early detection significantly increases survival rates, with an 80% chance of surviving a cancer detected at an early stage.
- Recognizing warning signs such as changes in bowel or bladder habits, unusual bleeding or discharge, persistent lumps, non-healing sores, changes in skin spots or moles, persistent coughs or hoarseness, unusual nose bleeds or hearing issues, and difficulty swallowing can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.