Health Ministry: Colorectal cancer affects M’sians second most
PUCHONG: Health Ministry said that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer to plague Malaysians, after breast cancer.
Its director general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said according to Malaysia National Cancer Registry from 2012-2016, colorectal cancer is the second most detected cancer among Malaysians, with 13.5% after breast cancer (19%).
“Colorectal cancer are usually detected at stage three and four. It affects 72.4% of men and 73.1% of women,” he said, in a statement to commemorate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month today.
Hisham said that colorectal cancer can be prevented with healthy lifestyle and early detection.
“The risk of contracting colorectal cancer increases with age. Those who used to suffer from colon polyps, intestinal inflammation and people with family history of colorectal cancer are also at risk.
“Sedentary lifestyle, eating less fibre, vegetables and fruits can also cause colorectal cancer,” he said.
By Irman Hashim
