Latest news with #SJMC
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
#HEALTH: Life saving knowledge from mother to daughter
FOR 59 year old Lee Yoke Woon, the first sign of trouble felt no different from a urinary tract infection. She had abdominal pain, but it didn't seem alarming. However, in June 2020, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "It was shocking because I had always been healthy," recalls Lee. Her diagnosis shook her family, especially her daughter, but it also brought them closer and led to positive lifestyle changes. "My husband and daughter started to eat healthier and became more aware of early symptoms. My husband made a special effort to cook nutritious meals and keep me emotionally stable." Lee credits her family, friends, and church members for helping her through the difficult journey. It was both challenging and emotional, but also meaningful. For Lee, surviving ovarian cancer gave her more than just a second chance - it set her on a mission to protect her daughter through knowledge and conversation. "As a mother, my instinct has always been to protect my child. When I was diagnosed, it was devastating to see how shocked my daughter was. No one expected cancer to hit our family." That moment led to important changes - paying closer attention to their health, and more importantly, to speak up and go for a check-up if something feels off. For women, a quick visit to the gynaecologist can make all the difference and for Lee, these conversations are no longer optional. They are life-saving. "As mothers, we teach our daughters how to walk, how to study, and how to be kind. But we must also teach them to understand their bodies, recognise warning signs, and prioritise their health. That is one of the most important lessons I can pass down." Lee is well aware that if she had waited, her story might have ended very differently. This shared responsibility from mother to daughter can help break the silence around ovarian cancer because a single conversation can be life-saving, says Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) consultant gynaecologist Dr Tan Teck Sin. The National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, indicates that ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysian women with 1 in 147 women at risk. More than half of all cases (54.4 per cent) are diagnosed at stages 3 and 4 when the disease has already spread and treatment becomes more complex. Dr Tan believes that knowledge and awareness are powerful tools in changing these statistics, especially for mothers who pass on this life-saving information to their daughters. While anyone can develop ovarian cancer, certain factors increase the risk. Age, subfertility or having no children, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and specific gene mutations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer all contribute, explains Dr Tan. Other less significant risks include early menstruation, late menopause, and conditions like endometriosis. About 25 per cent of certain common types of ovarian cancer have a hereditary basis, making it vital for women with a family history to consider genetic testing. Dr Tan says that younger women today, especially the Gen Z, are increasingly choosing the DINK (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle. While that is a personal choice, it is important to know that having children can offer significant protection against ovarian and uterine cancers, he says. This makes conversations about reproductive health even more important between mothers and daughters, he adds. Currently, there is no reliable universal screening method for ovarian cancer. Tools like the transvaginal ultrasound and the serum CA-125 tumour marker (a blood test that measures a protein sometimes elevated in ovarian cancer) are helpful but not foolproof. These tests can lead to false positives, resulting in unnecessary surgeries, cautions Dr Tan. This makes awareness all the more important. "We must teach women to listen to their bodies and act early, even if symptoms seem trivial. A mother who understands these signs can protect herself and educate her daughter. That's a legacy more powerful than anything material." Treatment for ovarian cancer often involves surgery and chemotherapy. While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has gained attention in recent years. For younger women diagnosed in early stages, there is room for fertility-preserving approaches. "We have to consider fertility-sparing surgery, or cryopreservation (freezing) of eggs or ovarian tissue before treatment. Unfortunately, facilities for cryopreservation are still limited in Malaysia," says Dr Tan. A multidisciplinary approach remains crucial as ovarian cancer is complex and requires input from oncologists, palliative physicians, radiologists, fertility specialists, and supportive staff like oncology nurses and physiotherapists. This team effort ensures the best outcome and quality of life for patients.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Digital diagnostics: Embracing 5G for transformative healthcare outcomes in Malaysia
For Bryan Lin, the advancement of technology brings exciting prospects for healthcare in Malaysia. He asks: 'Have you seen Star Wars? Do you remember the scene where Princess Leia appears as a hologram?' Now imagine going to the hospital for a scan like an MRI and seeing the doctor project the result as a 3D hologram into the air. Lin says the doctor can rotate and examine the scan from every angle – presenting a clearer view to patients about possible health conditions or medical procedures. 'Unlike current flat or static visuals, I see immersive projections as having the potential to reduce fear and offer more clarity to patients who may develop a better understanding of certain procedures,' he adds. For surgeons, Lin says they can also superimpose holographic images directly onto patient's bodies for improved precision in the operating room. As Malaysia expands its 5G network, Lin – who is the CEO of Subang Jaya Medical Centre – believes that there is more potential now for advanced tech to be adopted locally for the benefit of healthcare. He says with faster speeds and near-instant connectivity, 5G can support complex technologies like real-time holographic imaging. 'In a nutshell, 5G addresses the latency issue. Imagine being able to do things with faster connectivity – just think what that could mean for patient care,' he adds. For example, Lin says 5G will allow hospitals to extend more care to remote areas. 'Speed and timeliness are crucial in a hospital setting but it's not just about what happens within these walls,' he adds. He points to SJMC's involvement in the Global Surgery Initiative, where a team was sent to Kuching and Miri in Sarawak in 2023 to assist with more than 50 procedures for underserved patients. Lin hopes that with 5G connectivity enabling remote procedures in the future, they'll be able to reach and treat even more patients in hard-to-access areas. As Malaysia expands its 5G network, Linbelieves that there is more potential now for advanced tech to be adopted locally for the benefit of healthcare. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star 'With 5G's ability to minimise latency, we could eventually perform surgeries remotely using robotic equipment. Imagine a surgeon in Europe operating on a patient in Malaysia, while a team here manages the robotic arms on-site. With stable, high-speed connectivity, that's entirely possible,' he says. Right tech, right now Lin shares that current tech-driven measures is already doing wonders for patients. In 2022, he says that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption for telemedicine where patients can seek medical care and consultations remotely. 'We launched TeleConnect in 2022 – a 24-hour hotline that allows anyone to speak with trained medical professionals for advice on various ailments, and even receive recommendations on when to seek in-person care,' he says. He adds that the initiative supports better management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while helping patients experience more seamless care with less need for travel and lower associated costs. In 2023, Lin says that SJMC introduced SeniorConnect, a remote care patient monitoring service for elderly patients where they will receive a kit with various medical devices such as pulse oximeter and blood glucose monitor. The kit also comes with a WiFi modem. 'Patients can take their vitals at home and the results are recorded on the clinician's dashboard at the hospital. Then based on real-time data, nurses or doctors manning the command centre will be able to monitor the patient, predict possible outcomes and deliver urgent care when needed,' he adds. The hospital is also adopting AI-driven tools to enhance diagnostics such as for chest X-ray and have also started performing knee replacement surgery with robotic-assistance since 2021. 'We are also progressing towards an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled hospital by evolving manual processes to an integrated digital ecocystem. For example, we've transitioned from a paper-based system to a fully digital PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication system) and laboratory system,' he says, adding various initial measures will enable them to eventually progress towards becoming a Smart Hospital. For 5G-enabled healthcare to flourish in Malaysia, Lin says there is a need to improve infrastructure from end to end. — Image by freepik As the implementation of 5G is still in the early stages in Malaysian hospitals, Lin says they will closely monitor industry development. He also stresses that the adoption of technology should be assessed carefully in terms of cost so it doesn't end up burdening patients or consumers. 'There's a fine balance between cost and outcome and even with 5G, we must be certain that the speed and latency are sufficient for adoption,' he says. For 5G-enabled healthcare to flourish in Malaysia, Lin says there is a need to improve infrastructure from end to end. 'For advanced healthcare technologies to truly work, both the hospital and the receiving end – whether it's a rural clinic or a patient's home – need access to 5G and the right infrastructure. It's not enough for just one side to be connected. Everyone in the care chain needs to be on the same network for the system to work effectively.' He also hopes to see policymakers address the need to support digital transformation, believing that it also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs. 'Laws need to be updated to enable faster adoption rates. Key players in this process are clinicians, and if the Medical Act is not revised to embrace change, clinicians will hesitate to adopt new practices,' he says. He adds that the Medical Act 1971, a legislation that governs the registration and practice of medical professionals in Malaysia, hasn't quite kept up with the pace of digital-driven healthcare. For example, a patient is required to see a doctor in-person first before they can receive telemedicine services. 'We must tread carefully, and the law must be there to help us embrace change wholeheartedly. 'I believe all parties should remember that we have the same ultimate aim and goal – to deliver quality care,' he concludes.
Sinar Daily
09-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia's aging population is fueling a rising demand for blood donations
In a country where the act of giving blood is seen as a quiet gesture of humanity, the stakes are growing louder. As Malaysia's population continues to age, the pressure on blood banks is steadily intensifying; driven by shifting demographics, rising health complications and more advanced medical procedures that increasingly rely on blood transfusions. Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) Consultant Haematologist, Dr Ng Soo Chin, mentioned that at present, around eight per cent of Malaysia's population is aged 65 or older. While this may seem modest, the number is climbing each year and with it comes a greater burden on the healthcare system. 'With age, the prevalence of diseases like cancer, heart problems and lifestyle-related conditions increases significantly. 'We are also seeing more elderly patients undergoing surgeries such as joint replacements, which often require blood,' he said in an interview with Sinar Daily. SJMC Consultant Haematologist, Dr Ng Soo Chin. The trend is clear: as medical technology advances and treatment options expand, the demand for blood is not just staying steady, it is climbing. And while the healthcare system has adopted smarter ways to manage blood use, these strategies may not be enough to meet the future need. The good news is that Malaysia's healthcare professionals are already taking steps to optimise how blood is used. 'We are no longer transfusing patients with iron deficiency anaemia as readily as before. Now, intravenous iron therapy is preferred. It can effectively raise haemoglobin levels within weeks, sparing the need for transfusions. 'Blood that is not tied down can stay available for other patients in urgent need,' Dr Ng said. These tactics help prevent unnecessary usage and reduce wastage; making the existing supply go further. Still, optimising usage alone can not solve the bigger issue: keeping the supply stable as demand rises. This is where communication, especially during emergencies, becomes crucial. 'Social media is incredibly powerful in spreading messages about blood needs. But the current approach is fragmented. You will often see individual posts on Facebook that are not verified and that leads to confusion,' he said. Dr Ng believes a centralised, trustworthy platform could solve this. A nationwide website or app, updated in real time with verified blood bank needs, could streamline donor mobilisation and make appeals more credible. It is an idea whose time may have come, especially as public goodwill has proven its strength before. Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Canva The COVID-19 pandemic became a powerful case study of Malaysians' unwavering compassion. Despite widespread fear and movement restrictions, a steady stream of regular blood donors still showed up to hospital donation centres. 'Even during the height of the pandemic, blood donors did not stop coming. Thanks to them, we were able to carry out bone marrow transplants for leukaemia patients. These were procedures that simply could not wait,' Dr Ng said. Unlike in some countries, blood donors in Malaysia receive no financial compensation. They donate out of sheer altruism, often taking time off work and making personal sacrifices to do so. Dr Ng believes that such selflessness should be acknowledged more meaningfully. 'We do not need to reward them with money, but there should be more structured recognition. Even small gestures like official certificates, wellness support or consistent appreciation events could encourage sustained participation,' he suggested. With Malaysia's population growing older and medical needs expanding, it is clear the nation's blood donation system must evolve in parallel. By embracing smarter use, improving communication and valuing every drop given by generous donors, the country can be better prepared for the challenges ahead. 'Blood donation is not just a medical necessity. It is a human connection and in the years to come, we will need more of both,' Dr Ng highlighted.
Sinar Daily
09-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Cigarettes, vapes, alcohol: What lifestyle habits disqualify you from donating blood?
Walking into a blood donation centre may seem like a small act of kindness, but behind every unit of blood collected is a system that prioritises not only supply, but safety. While public campaigns often focus on increasing donations, what is less often discussed is this: not everyone is eligible to give and sometimes, lifestyle choices, however casual, can lead to permanent deferrals. 'The first and most important point to emphasise is that blood donation operates on a two-way responsibility. 'While it is crucial to encourage people to come forward, it is equally vital that the donors themselves are healthy,' SJMC Consultant Haematologist, Dr Ng Soo Chin told Sinar Daily. SJMC Consultant Haematologist, Dr Ng Soo Chin. And in the eyes of healthcare professionals, 'healthy' is not just about looking and feeling well, it also means being free of risky behaviours that might silently endanger recipients. Among the strictest disqualifiers for blood donation are high-risk behaviours, particularly involving recreational drug use. This includes marijuana, injected drugs or experimentation with unknown substances. 'Individuals with high-risk behaviours such as consuming marijuana or experimenting with other drugs, fall into a category where the risk of undetectable infections like HIV cannot be completely ruled out. 'Even with state-of-the-art screening technology that reduces the HIV 'window period' to less than a week, there remains a small chance of missing an early infection. 'Therefore, for safety reasons, individuals with such drug use history may be deferred, especially if the drug was injected intravenously, which would disqualify them from donating for life,' Dr Ng explained. What matters most, he added, is honesty during the pre-donation interview. The reliability of a donor's history during pre-donation interviews is one of the most crucial factors in maintaining a safe blood supply. Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Canva Interestingly, not all lifestyle choices automatically disqualify someone. Smoking and vaping, for instance, do not necessarily prevent a person from donating, provided they have stopped at least a week prior. 'Smoking or vaping are generally considered acceptable if discontinued at least a week before donating. As for alcohol? Moderation is key. 'Moderate alcohol consumption is also permissible, but donors are encouraged to wait at least 24 hours before donating to ensure safety,' he added. Today, SJMC remains one of the few private hospitals still licensed to operate its own in-house blood bank. 'Many hospital-based blood banks have been phased out due to stringent standards imposed by the National Blood Transfusion Centre. 'Regular inspections are conducted and institutions that fail to meet the required benchmarks risk having their licence withdrawn. Fortunately, we have maintained our compliance and continue to serve the public. 'The scope of operations has expanded considerably. We are not just looking to fill bags, we are ensuring every unit of blood is as safe as it is life-saving,' he added. And while donors are often motivated by altruism, Dr Ng reminds us that eligibility is not about judgement, it is about protection. 'This is a life-or-death matter. It is our duty to ensure the safety of every patient who receives a transfusion,' he stressed.
Sinar Daily
09-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia ranks second in blood donation rates in Asean, but still short of WHO's benchmark of three per cent
The gift of blood might be unseen, but its impact is undeniable, and Malaysia has quietly been building a strong foundation in this life-saving effort. As it stands today, the country ranks second in Asean for the proportion of blood donors relative to its population, with a respectable donation rate between 2.1 per cent and 2.3 per cent. But even with this achievement, it still falls short of the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended benchmark of three per cent for an optimal, sustainable blood supply. In Southeast Asia, only Singapore has managed to surpass the WHO standard, reaching approximately 3.5 per cent. According to Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) Consultant Haematologist Dr Ng Soo Chin, this success is largely credited to Singapore's strong, well-maintained reserve force that regularly contributes to blood donation drives. 'Singapore has a unique advantage through its active reserve force. That alone boosts their numbers significantly. But beyond that, their system is highly structured and consistent,' he said in an interview with Sinar Daily. SJMC Consultant Haematologist, Dr Ng Soo Chin. Despite not leading the region, Malaysia holds its own - outperforming larger Asean countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, all of which have donor rates under two per cent. Impressively, Malaysia even edges out countries like the United Kingdom (UK), where the blood donation rate has dipped below the two per cent mark. On a global scale, only a few countries such as Germany have consistently maintained donation levels at or above the ideal three per cent threshold. This benchmark is not arbitrary, it is the level widely considered necessary to ensure blood banks can meet both everyday needs and unforeseen crisis, from natural disasters to surges in medical procedures. Dr Ng credited Malaysia's relatively strong performance to the establishment of a national blood transfusion centre decades ago. 'The early development of regional transfusion centres and dedicated blood banks really helped set the groundwork. We now have a much more accessible and organised infrastructure for both donors and medical institutions. 'This system has allowed more Malaysians to participate in blood donation consistently and has made it easier for healthcare providers to manage and distribute the supply across the country,' Dr Ng added. Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Canva Still, challenges remain. Shortages are a recurring issue during festive seasons, when potential donors are likely travelling or preoccupied. According to Dr Ng, there is also an observable trend of lower availability in certain blood types, particularly blood group B. 'We sometimes joke about group B being the tricky one to find, but shortages in any blood group are no laughing matter. It is often circumstantial, but when it happens, it is very real for the patient waiting. 'More critically, Malaysia faces greater difficulty sourcing rare blood types like Rhesus-negative, which is found in less than one per cent of the local population. 'In contrast, Western countries report up to ten per cent prevalence of this blood type, giving them a slight edge in emergency scenarios,' he added. Closing the gap to reach the three per cent WHO benchmark will require not only consistent public participation, but also deeper community engagement and education, especially among youth and first-time donors. Festive campaigns, workplace drives and school outreach can all play a role in nudging the nation toward that vital goal. 'Malaysia has come a long way. But as with anything in medicine, consistency is key. 'A robust blood donation culture is not just about one big campaign, it is about building habits and systems that people trust and return to,' Dr Ng mentioned. And with the country already standing tall among its peers, perhaps the next step is within reach.
