Don’t let Covid-19 stop you from cancer screening

 

Early detection of cancer can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of cancer treatment. (Rawpixel pic)

From the Public Health Department of UMMC

According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report (2012 – 2016), about 63.7% of patients were already in their advanced cancer stages three and four at the time of their diagnosis. That being said, detecting cancer early can drastically improve survival and quality of life.

When cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of survival beyond five years is higher. A delayed diagnosis could lead to a worse prognosis and even a higher risk for death.

Comparing the risks of death within five years of cancer staging in Stage 4 and Stage 1, there are 7.5 times higher risks of death among female breast cancer, 5.5 times in cervical cancer, and 3.9 times in colorectal cancer.

And with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are left unsure of how and when to seek medical help, especially with regards to undiagnosed cancer.

The number of people being diagnosed late with cancer has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has healthcare professionals worried that these patients will only be treated when it is too late.

Many might ask, “I have the signs, but what should I do?”

“Is it safe for me to go to the hospital?”

“Will I be attended to and treated?”

Many people are likely to be nervous about visiting healthcare institutions during this pandemic. Rest assured that hospitals are following strict infection control rules to help minimise the threat of Covid-19.

In fact, the goal of World Cancer Day in 2021 is to inspire and encourage action from individuals to access early detection, screening, and diagnosis of cancer.

Early detection of cancer could yield a better prognosis and improve disease survival. So, be courageous and step forward for screening! - FMT

Written by Dr Nithiya Sinarajoo, Dr Yoong Lee Yeen, Professor Dr Moy Foong Ming, Professor Dr Noran Naqiah Hairi, Public Health Department, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 

The views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.