Latest news with #SunwayMedicalCentreVelocity
Barnama
5 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Malaysia Faces Silent Liver Cancer Crisis, 74 Pct Of Cases Detected At Stage Four
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- With hepatitis B still endemic in Malaysia and over 21.3 per cent of the population classified as obese, both key causes of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are making more Malaysians at risk of getting liver cancer. 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.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Silent liver cancer crisis in Malaysia with 74% late-stage detection
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is grappling with a silent liver cancer crisis, with 74% of cases detected at the most advanced stage, where treatment options are limited. The high prevalence of hepatitis B and obesity, both major contributors to liver disease, has put more Malaysians at risk. Consultant General, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Dr Johann Faizal Khan highlighted the lack of effective public screening programmes as a key barrier. 'While high-risk individuals such as those with liver cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis are screened, patients who appear relatively healthy may not even realise they have these diseases,' he said. Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the eighth most common cancer in Malaysia but has the second-lowest five-year survival rate at just 12.8%. The Ministry of Health notes it remains a leading cause of premature death. 'The absence of early symptoms should not be mistaken for good health. Liver cancer can develop silently, without warning signs,' Dr Johann stressed, urging regular health screenings regardless of perceived health status. Despite late detection challenges, innovative treatments like NanoKnife surgery offer hope. This minimally invasive procedure uses electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue, making it ideal for patients with compromised liver function or tumours near vital structures. However, not all cases are suitable for minimally invasive methods. Larger tumours may still require traditional open surgery or partial hepatectomy, where the cancerous portion of the liver is removed. For severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. Post-treatment, patients with chronic liver conditions remain at lifelong risk. Continued surveillance and lifestyle changes—such as a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking—are crucial for long-term liver health. 'Empowering patients with knowledge and tools is just as critical as medical treatment,' Dr Johann said. With advancements in treatment and growing access to cutting-edge care, patients now have better survival prospects when paired with proactive health management. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Malaysia Faces Silent Liver Cancer Crisis, 74 Pct Of Cases Detected At Advanced Stage
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- With hepatitis B still endemic in Malaysia and over 21.3 per cent of the population classified as obese, both key causes of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are making more Malaysians at risk of getting liver cancer. 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.
Sinar Daily
20-05-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Text Neck Syndrome: 8 hours a day on your phone? Your neck is paying the price
MALAYSIANS ranked among the highest digital device users in Asia, with an average daily screen time of eight hours and 17 minutes, which may result in 'text neck syndrome', a relatively new condition that has emerged post-pandemic with noticeable rise in cases among teenagers and young adults. The country also has the third-highest TikTok usage in Southeast Asia, averaging 121 videos per day. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), in a statement, stated that Malaysia's high digital consumption, especially among the younger population, is a significant contributor to the rise of text neck syndrome. It said that the Health Ministry reported that 67 per cent of Malaysians experienced neck pain at some point, making it the second most common musculoskeletal issue, yet many dismissed it as temporary or stress-related. "Poor workplace ergonomics further compounded the issue, as many endured long hours at non-conducive desk setups. This prolonged strain was increasingly linked to higher rates of sick leave in corporate environments, reduced productivity, and declining workplace performance,' the statement read. Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at SMCV, Dr Chang Kok Chun was quoted in the statement as saying that text neck syndrome occurs when there is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged forward head posture when looking down at screens. "When someone developed text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck underwent continuous strain due to poor posture. Over time, this caused muscle and joint fatigue, discomfort, and if left untreated, could even result in structural damage,' he explained. Dr Chang also urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the pain they were feeling and avoid ignoring it to prevent other health complications. He noted that the pain would initially provoke protective muscle spasms, visible in X-rays as straightening of the spine. "If ignored, this could lead to premature degeneration of the spine, including thinning of the disc between vertebrae and the development of bone spurs and facet joint arthritis over time, also known as cervical spondylosis (wear and tear of the joint and discs in the neck),' he warned. Dr Chang cautioned that this irreversible condition could lead to nerve or spinal cord compression, causing radiating pain, numbness, or pins and needles sensations in the arms, forearms and hands, while in severe cases, could result in weakness or paralysis in the upper and lower limbs, with persistent pain also impacting mental health and overall well-being. He said managing text neck syndrome involved a combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication and stressed that consistent ergonomic practices by reducing screen time, using proper posture, and incorporating regular neck relaxation exercises throughout the day were essential in managing this condition. Dr Chang acknowledged that while many were aware of the risks of text neck syndrome, breaking bad habits remained challenging due to heavy workloads. He encouraged Malaysians to make gradual improvements, such as adopting proper posture, ergonomic setups and regular neck exercises to protect spinal health. Meanwhile, Physiotherapist and Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine Services at SMCV Thomas Chua Wei Yeh said one of the most common postural issues was Forward Head Posture and this misalignment occurs when one tilts one's head forward by 45 degrees, increasing the load on the cervical spine from five to 22 kilogrammes. Thomas explained that this extra strain added over 1,000 hours of stress on the spine annually, leading to symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, spinal nerve irritation resulting in tingling sensations in the hands, and even early degenerative arthritis of the neck. "Physiotherapy, including manual therapy, postural retraining, and targeted exercises to relieve tension, build strength and restore proper alignment, was crucial for recovery and prevention. While most patients begin to notice improvement within three to six sessions, severe cases may require a longer treatment plan to achieve lasting results,' he said. According to Thomas, treatment plans are tailored to individual lifestyles and physical demands, focusing on reducing continuous screen time for students, promoting posture-friendly habits and optimising backpack use to avoid unnecessary strain on the neck and upper back. "While office workers should prioritise ergonomic workstations and integrate mobility breaks such as stretching routines to reduce muscular fatigue and joint stress. "Progress is tracked through a combination of clinical assessments and patient-reported outcomes. We assess range of motion to evaluate cervical and thoracic spine mobility, and test muscle strength in key postural areas. "Postural analysis helps us monitor alignment changes over time, while pain scales and functional questionnaires offer insights into daily performance and comfort levels,' he said, noting that improvements such as less reliance on pain medication and better tolerance for daily tasks are key signs of recovery. Thomas also warned against movements that worsened symptoms during recovery, such as abdominal crunches, overhead lifting, or prolonged typing with a flexed neck, stressing that while rest relieved immediate pain, long-term recovery required movement, postural correction, and strengthening. - BERNAMA
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
When Posture Becomes A Pain: The Digital Epidemic Malaysians Are Ignoring
Physiotherapist and Manager of Rehabilitation Medicine Services at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), Thomas Chua Wei Yeh shares that one of the most common postural issues that they always see is forward head posture and this will increase the load on the cervical spine from 5 to 22 kilograms - Credit: SMCV Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), Dr Chang Kok Chun explains that when someone develops text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck undergo continuous strain due to poor posture - Credit: SMCV Malaysians now rank among the highest digital device users in Asia with an daily average screen time of 8 hours and 17 minutes, and this has resulting in the rise of "text neck syndrome" in our country - Credit: Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysians ranked among the highest digital device users in Asia, with an average daily screen time of eight hours and 17 minutes, which may result in 'text neck syndrome', a relatively new condition that has emerged post-pandemic with noticeable rise in cases among teenagers and young adults. The country also has the third-highest TikTok usage in Southeast Asia, averaging 121 videos per day. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), in a statement, stated that Malaysia's high digital consumption, especially among the younger population, is a significant contributor to the rise of text neck syndrome. It said that the Health Ministry reported that 67 per cent of Malaysians experienced neck pain at some point, making it the second most common musculoskeletal issue, yet many dismissed it as temporary or stress-related. "Poor workplace ergonomics further compounded the issue, as many endured long hours at non-conducive desk setups. This prolonged strain was increasingly linked to higher rates of sick leave in corporate environments, reduced productivity, and declining workplace performance,' the statement read. Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Spine Surgeon at SMCV, Dr Chang Kok Chun was quoted in the statement as saying that text neck syndrome occurs when there is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged forward head posture when looking down at screens. 'When someone developed text neck, the muscles and joints in the neck underwent continuous strain due to poor posture. Over time, this caused muscle and joint fatigue, discomfort, and if left untreated, could even result in structural damage,' he explained. Dr Chang also urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the pain they were feeling and avoid ignoring it to prevent other health complications. He noted that the pain would initially provoke protective muscle spasms, visible in X-rays as straightening of the spine. 'If ignored, this could lead to premature degeneration of the spine, including thinning of the disc between vertebrae, and the development of bone spurs and facet joint arthritis over time, also known as cervical spondylosis (wear and tear of the joint and discs in the neck),' he warned.
