KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to raise awareness on the importance of oral cancer screening and detection as 60 per cent of cases were detected at late stages, either at the third or fourth stage, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said.
He said a study conducted among oral cancer patients in Malaysia found that the five-year survival rate was only at 30 per cent for patients diagnosed at a late stage compared to 64 per cent for patients screened at an early stage.
“Their quality of life will also be affected because this disease has severe physical and psychosocial effects on patients and their caregivers.
“Although oral cancer is not listed in the Top Ten Most Common Cancer in Malaysia, according to data from the National Cancer Registry 2012-2016, oral cancer is reported as the sixth most common cancer among people and one can prevent it before it becomes severe.
The study shows that early detection of cancer through screening methods can increase the survival rate so that treatment can be given at an early stage. Oral cancer can be prevented, easily detected and can be treated if detected at an early stage,” he said when officiating the Cancer Awareness Week 2020 virtually today.
On average, two cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every day, he said.
He called on the community to work together and fight oral cancer by getting screened early and avoiding the risk factors that contribute to the disease, as well as initiatives to help and support patients. – Bernama
