KOTA KINABALU: In an effort to reduce late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses, the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan has introduced a fast-track referral initiative and awareness campaign across the Sandakan zone.
According to the Malaysia Cancer Registry Report (2017–2021), about 75% of colorectal cancer cases nationwide are only diagnosed at Stages 3 and 4.
To address this, HDOK is extending its awareness efforts beyond hospital walls, targeting rural districts such as Beluran, Kinabatangan, Telupid, and Tongod under a revived campaign previously halted during the pandemic.
The campaign includes radio outreach, exhibitions, and notably, a "Fast Track Colonoscopy Referral" programme aimed at reducing waiting time and costs for patients in remote areas.
Under the new system, patients screened for risk at rural clinics—based on symptoms, faecal occult blood test results, or scoring—will be referred directly to HDOK’s Endoscopy Unit for colonoscopy.
The current process usually takes two to four weeks and may involve RM300–RM400 in travel expenses, particularly for those in interior areas.
"This new pathway helps patients gain faster access to diagnostic care without being burdened by the usual layers of referrals," said Dr Lai Chung Ket, Head of the Surgical Department at HDOK, in a statement on Friday (March 29).
He noted that screening uptake in Sabah remains low, with many cases detected only when symptoms have advanced.
Hospital director Dr Mohd Fahmie Othman, who officiated the awareness campaign on March 21, said HDOK has championed colorectal cancer awareness since 2016, with a renewed focus now on early detection.
The initiative is supported by public health officers and hospital directors throughout the Sandakan cluster, reflecting a shared goal to improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis and faster access to care.
