Did you know that cancer is one of the top causes of mortality and morbidity in Malaysia? Dan tahu tak there were 48,639 new cancer cases reported in Malaysia in 2020, with the rate expected to double by 2040?
Kita semua tahu yang cancer ini sangat dangerous. But having a devil-may-care attitude towards your health is even more dangerous, especially if you have a family history of cancer. That is why today, we’re going to encourage YOU to take charge of your health.
Malaysia offers screening for cervical, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, but the percentage of those who do so on a regular basis is far from satisfactory. But, of course lah kan, we can all agree that one of the main factors contributing to the poor response to cancer screening is a lack of awareness regarding the various cancer screening methods.
But, before that, what is cancer screening? Dia nak screen apa tu?
Cancer screening is a test that checks for early cancer signs in people who are not experiencing any symptoms. One of the reasons why cancer is known as a silent killer is that in a lot of cases, the patient is diagnosed with cancer until it’s too late…
Sebab itu penting sangat untuk kita laku kan screening as a precautionary measure.
‘I pernah buat blood test juga, sama je lah kan?’
No! The cancer screening tests are misinterpreted for this reason. A blood test alone may not always be able to detect cancer. For example, the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is frequently used to test for colon cancer, is insufficiently accurate to identify colorectal cancer in its early stages.
‘Wait, seriously?’
Yes, tak tipu! A negative test does not necessarily indicate that you are disease-free. So obvious lah kan, you need better procedures done if you’re looking for a more accurate analysis.
One of the most common and precise step is collecting cells from the cervix. The samples are then sent to a lab and analysed to see if they are infected with the types of HPV that causes cancer.
Alamak risaunya! Nak buat cancer screening dekat mana ni?
Well, obviously, you will need to meet with a medical practitioner who specialises in cancer.
Masa ni kan, a thorough discussion about lifestyle and family history will typically take place. Then, a suitable screening test can be discussed. Ala, jangan takut! You just imagine macam you berbual and lepak mamak with your friends.
Then, after you jumpa the expert, bermulalah pengembaraan cancer screening you.
So, nak discuss apa pasal cancer screening?
Ok sebenarnya, there are 3 places that we can do cancer screening in Malaysia.
Pertama sekali mestilah our government hospitals! However, government hospitals and clinics only examine patients who exhibit symptoms. But don’t lose hope! Because you can schedule cancer screenings at government hospitals. Be sure to consult with your general practitioner from your local Klinik Kesihatan before you make any appointments.
Tapi kalau tak minat the long wait, then you can also opt for private hospitals. Though it might be pricier, if you have the budget, or if your insurance covers cancer screening, then why not go for it?
Annnddd finally, you can even get in touch with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. The organisation actually provides free routine screening, follow-up care, and navigation for underprivileged individuals throughout Malaysia.
Bukan itu je tau, diorang juga ada several subsidised screening programmes for:
- Cervical cancer, which affected 3,000 women
- Breast cancer, which affected 12,152 women
- Colorectal cancer, which affected 269 men and women
- 3,284 community residents were recruited to attend screenings, which included transportation and food.
Banyak kan option yang ada? You guys just need to go and check je! Alang-alang January is cervical cancer month, why not take this opportunity to get yourself screened.
Kita kena prepare apa apa ke?
Other than ensuring you have your I/C on you, it’s highly encouraged that you bring along your medical records too. In fact, if you have any referral letter, that would be helpful juga sebenarnya.
Another tip that we find helpful is preparing a list of questions or concerns you might want to ask your doctor later. Also, we find it to be an effective tool in keeping anxiety at bay.
Psst! Tapi bukan itu je, kita cakap pasal spread awareness kan, you guys spread juga lah this post to others! Korang boleh juga dapat instant alerts on how you can take charge of your health by subscribing to our newsletter. All the T’s (topics, trends, tips and tricks, and tidbits) conveniently in your inbox!
Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
