Malaysia Faces Silent Liver Cancer Crisis, 74 Pct Of Cases Detected At Advanced Stage
Yet, many cases go undetected until the disease is in its late stages.
Consultant General, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Dr Johann Faizal Khan shared that one of the biggest barriers to improving liver cancer outcomes is the lack of effective public screening programmes.
'While high-risk individuals such as those with liver cirrhosis (long-term liver damage that causes scarring and poor liver function) and chronic viral hepatitis are screened, patients who appear relatively healthy may not even realise they have either of these diseases,' he said in a statement today.
Dr Johann noted that this issue is not unique to Malaysia, but reflects a global trend, with healthcare institutions now dealing with the long-term effects of undiagnosed or untreated chronic liver conditions.
According to the Ministry of Health, liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Malaysia, is the eighth most common cancer in Malaysia, yet it has the second-lowest five-year survival rate among major cancers at just 12.8 per cent.
Alarmingly, 74 per cent of cases are diagnosed at the most advanced stage (stage four), where treatment options are limited and outcomes are significantly poorer.
'The absence of early symptoms should not be mistaken for an assurance of good health. Many individuals who do not drink alcohol or engage in what are typically considered 'high-risk' behaviours assume that they are not at risk.
'In reality, liver cancer can develop silently, without any warning signs,' said Dr Johann, stressing the importance of regular health screenings regardless of perceived health status, as early detection remains the most effective way to improve outcomes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
42 minutes ago
- The Star
Offenders compulsory attendance order to reduce prison overcrowding, says Shamsul Anuar
KUALA LUMPUR: The Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025, that passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28), aims to reduce prison overcrowding among other matters, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says. The bill, among others, would allow Offenders Compulsory Attendance (PKW) to be given to offenders convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment of not more than 10 years, compared to the current imprisonment of not more than three years. Dr Shamsul said Malaysian Prisons Department statistics as of July 22 showed that there were 83,827 people in prison facilities, while 5,759 were undergoing rehabilitation in the community. "If you look at the actual capacity, the department's facilities can accommodate only 76,311 prisoners," he said when winding up the debate on the bill. Shamsul Anuar said the issue of prison overcrowding could cause an unconducive environment and have negative implications, such as the risk of spreading diseases among prisoners and prison staff. In addition, it could reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes, security risks due to unusual events such as riots and strikes, as well as worsen the government's financial burden. Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said that from 2010 to date, a total of 8,227 offenders have undergone PKW with a success rate of 94.5%, while only 5.25% had their orders cancelled. He said among the modules implemented through PKW were intervention programmes, spirituality, counselling, religion and related courses. The sitting continues on Tuesday. - Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Dewan Rakyat passes Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 to curb substance misuse
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, reinforcing enforcement against the illegal use of poisons and psychotropic substances. The bill, approved via voice vote, was debated by 12 MPs from both government and opposition blocs. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the amendments aim to enhance enforcement efficiency and align Malaysian laws with international conventions. 'This amendment is important to align the country's laws with international conventions such as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988.' Key changes include empowering authorised officers, improving training and monitoring, and tightening controls on poisons and prohibited substances, including those in vape products. Dzulkefly clarified that the amendments prevent overlapping jurisdiction among agencies. 'Drug enforcement officers focus on handling poisons and psychotropic substances related to medicines and industrial chemicals. The police monitor abuse of banned substances, while customs control the entry and exit of these substances at national entry points.' The bill redefines 'authorised officer' to include police officers of any rank and individuals appointed by the Health Minister. It also expands the definition of 'premises' to cover land, buildings, offshore installations, and other structures. Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025 to legitimise un-gazetted ferry service fees collected from 1999 to 2024. - Bernama
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia Set To Host ASEAN Occupational Safety And Health Summit 2025 On Aug 4-5
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to host the 2025 ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Summit next month, bringing together around 3,000 practitioners and over 70 experts from ASEAN countries alongside international speakers. Organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the summit will take place on Aug 4 and 5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, in conjunction with Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. NIOSH chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the summit marks a new chapter for regional collaboration, innovation, and policymaking centred on worker welfare. 'This is an opportunity for occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners in Malaysia to engage in a range of programmes, including the Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health (COSH 2025) and the NIOSH International Standards Seminar (NISS 2025). 'Formerly a national programme, COSH 2025 has been elevated to an ASEAN international platform. It is no longer just a conference but the largest gathering of OSH professionals in Malaysia. This year's participation certificates will also feature the ASEAN logo,' he said in a statement today. NIOSH expects COSH 2025 to attract more than 2,000 local and international participants, with speakers including representatives from renowned organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), SESRIC Turkey, University of South Australia, as well as experts from Japan, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and other ASEAN countries. Key topics set for discussion include psychosocial risk management, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies in workplaces, and building a more inclusive and mentally healthy future of work. Besides COSH 2025 and NISS 2025, the summit will also host the Asian Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute (AOSHRI) Executive Meeting, which will bring together OSH research institutions from 14 Asian countries. Both COSH 2025 and NISS 2025 offer comprehensive professional learning opportunities with accreditation from various professional bodies and regulators.
