PETALING JAYA: A survey found that two in five Malaysians have not gone for health screenings, which means non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cannot be detected early and the necessary action taken, say public health experts.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 report released earlier this year, individuals aged 18 and above did not go for any health screenings for diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol in the previous 12 months.
Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine said early screening allows early management of risk factors through either lifestyle modifications or medical treatment if needed.
“If these risk factors are not picked up and action not taken, serious health conditions such as heart attacks or strokes may occur,” she said when contacted.
She also said the risk of contracting diabetes and hypertension increases with age.
Citing the NHMS report, Prof Moy said the biggest number of those who did not know they had diabetes and hypertension were in the 18-39 age groups.
“However, with the overweight and obesity prevalence increasing and affecting adults of all ages, the risk factors can appear earlier,” she said.
Prof Moy said health screenings for adults aged 18 to 29 should be targeted at those with obesity.
“By tackling the issue of being overweight or obese with a healthy lifestyle, these risk factors can be prevented,” she said.
She also proposed that the free health screenings offered by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for eligible Socso-insured persons be extended to those aged 30 and above.
It is currently eligible for those 40 and above.
The NHMS 2023 report is based on data collected between July and September last year.
A total of 13,616 respondents participated in the survey.
Public health physician Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar described the statistics on health screenings as very serious and worrying.
“NCDs can start at any age after adolescence, more so in adults and the elderly.
“Early screening is very important. For young adults, it’s best to have it every few years and yearly for those above 40,” he said.
Dr Zainal added that there can be intervention at the early stages if NCDs are detected early.
“It is more treatable and mitigates the risk of complications.
“Those eligible should also utilise the Peka B40 health screening initiative by the government,” he said, stressing the importance of looking after one’s health.
