UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Realising the importance of prevention in cancer control, numerous activities related to cancer prevention and early detection are being carried out in Malaysia.

Methods: Like most developed and advanced developing countries, Malaysia is also approaching an epidemiologic transition, where lifestyle diseases particularly cardiovascular disease and cancers are progressively prevailing. Cancer, which is presently the third major cause of medically certified deaths in the country will continue to become more and more prominent. The heath promotion related to cancer prevention that are given to the public by Ministry of Health are focusing on cancer risk factors such as smoking, hepatitis B, alcohol, physical activity, beetle quid chewing, sexual and reproductive factor, diet and nutrition. The Control of Tobacco Products Regulations and Food Act signify an important milestone for legislative tobacco and food contaminants control in this country. Promotion of HBV vaccination for infants has became a part of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in 1989. As for early detection programme, the current screening programmes for cancer of breast, cervical and oral should be strengthen and other possible screening programmes such as for colorectal cancer should be taken into consideration.

Results: Unless positive steps are taken, Malaysia may have to face the enormous cancer burden in the near future. Increase in public awareness, combined with prompt diagnosis, effective therapy, rehabilitation and palliation, could have a major impact on the disease by decreasing the morbidity, mortality and improving the quality of life of all cancer patients.