KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 250,000 Malaysians were diagnosed with cancer over a seven-year period, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"From 2017 to 2023, 248,207 cancer cases were reported in Malaysia.
"Based on the Statistics Department data, deaths due to cancer saw a rise from 12.6% in 2022 to 13.8% in 2023," the Health Minister said in his speech during the launch of World Cancer Day 2025 here on Wednesday. (Feb 26).
He said that the five most prevalent types of cancer affecting Malaysians are breast, colorectal, lung, lymphoma, and liver cancer.
Dr Dzulkefly said that cancer was the third leading cause of premature deaths in the country.
"It's akin to receiving a death sentence when one is informed by the doctor that they have cancer.
"It can be very overwhelming for the person and their family.
"They struggle to survive, and the emotional and financial impact is overwhelming," he said.
He said the nation's health care should be preventive and predictive rather than reactive towards cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said that Malaysia would present a resolution on lung health at the World Health Assembly in May as part of its contribution to global health.
He said this would be done in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and 14 other countries.
"The move will make lung health a global health priority to encourage bigger investment in treatment and screening for lung cancer," he said.
He also said Malaysia would contribute to enhancing lung health in the region while chairing Asen. He added that this involves implementing an Asean standard for lung cancer screening and stricter tobacco control.
