MSCRS Urges Early Detec on and Preven ve Measures in Awareness Campaign
Shah Alam, 7 July 2024 – Colorectal cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, poses a significant threat to public health. In Malaysia, it ranks as the leading cancer in men and the second most common in women. Aiming to raise awareness on colorectal cancer, the Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons (MSCRS) held a press conference today, as part of its Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024.
Represen ng the Minister of Health YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad at the press conference, the ministry’s Director of the Medical Development Division, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Azman bin Yacob highlighted the need to raise awareness on the disease as the recently released Na onal Health & Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023[1] has shown that 88% of adults, aged 50 years and above, had never done a faecal occult blood test which is commonly used as a screening test to help find colorectal cancer before pa ents have symptoms.
According to MSCRS, early detec on and preven ve measures are crucial in reducing mortality rates. At an early stage (Stage 1 to 2), colorectal cancer has up to a 90% survival rate five years a er diagnosis, but this drops to 50% at later stages (Stage 3 to 4). About 70% of those with colorectal cancer seek medical help at later stages, leading to more complex and costly treatments for pa ents.
Dr Nurhashim Haron, Vice President MSCRS and Organising Chairman of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024, said “Our goal is to educate the public, especially the younger genera on, about the importance of early detec on and preven on. Together, we can
significantly reduce the mortality rates caused by this disease.”
He added that self-care is highly important for risk reduc on, as risk factors that are modifiable include exercise, having an ac ve lifestyle, avoiding smoking, alcohol and processed food, reducing intake of red meat, saturated fats and sugar, as well as increasing intake of vegetables, fruits and fibre.
The press conference was held in conjunc on with MSCRS’ Colorectal Cancer Awareness Run 2024 which saw an impressive turnout, with about 500 par cipants raising awareness for colorectal cancer. Following the run, MSCRS organised a Colorectal Cancer Public Forum. The forum featured a talk by Dr. Nik Qis and a panel discussion with medical experts including Dr. Sha awi Adznan and Dr. Mayuha Rusli. A endees also heard inspiring stories from two colorectal cancer survivors.
“We would like to thank our venue sponsor Eco Ardence, gold sponsor KPJ Healthcare Berhad, silver sponsor Press Metal, Bronze Sponsor Picaso Hospital, and our communica on partner SPRG
Malaysia in joining our cause to make our Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign 2024 a success,” Dr. Nurhashim concluded.
Founded in 2003, the Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons (MSCRS) has dedicated its efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer through various ini a ves such as community runs, public forums and health talks. Members of the public can visit www.colorectalmy.org for more informa on.
[1] https://iku.nih.gov.my/images/nhms2023/key-findings-nhms-2023.pdf
