More cancer specialists needed outside towns, say experts

 

There is a lower ratio of oncologists to the population in the Klang Valley than the northern peninsular states, says a doctor. (Reuters pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The lack of oncologists and surgeons in the country affects the timeliness of patients receiving cancer treatment, says Universiti Malaya Cancer Research Institute (UMCRI) director Dr Nur Aishah Taib.

“And the distribution in terms of where these practitioners are located is not equitable.

“For instance, if you are in the Klang Valley, the ratio of oncologists to the population is actually much lower in comparison to the northern peninsular states,” she said at an oncology summit held by the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy today.

She added that cancer is currently the second largest cause of premature mortality (ages 30 to 69) in the country.

The head of the radiotherapy and oncology department at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Dr. Fuad Ismail said radiotherapy centres were predominantly located in major cities.

“So if you reside in these areas you can almost go anywhere today and get treated by tomorrow or the next week. But other areas like Pahang, Terengganu and Sarawak have very limited access.

“Sarawak has good centres in Kuching but because it is such a big state other areas are left out, while Pahang and Terengganu do not have many centres for treatment,” Fuad said.

Dr. Gan Shiaw Sze, a professor in internal medicine and clinical haematology at Universiti Malaya said there was a severe lack of haematological treatment centres for patients suffering from blood cancer.

She said there was a need to increase the number of oncologists and particularly haematologists.

“Majority of the treatment centres with haematologists are basically on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. If you look at the east coast, there are only three and if you were to look at East Malaysia it is even worse.” Dr. Gan said. - FMT