Malaysia Faces Shortage of Oncologists Amid Over 50% Rise in Cancer Cases: Report
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is in urgent need of more cancer specialists or oncologists as the number of cancer patients and the death rate due to the disease have increased by over 50% in the past 10 years, according to data from the Malaysian Oncology Society.
The data revealed that while there were only 80 oncologists serving in 2015, the number has only increased to around 130 this year. However, the country needs at least 300 oncologists based on the number of cancer cases received, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.
In addition to the shortage of oncologists, the data also highlighted the lack of cancer centers in certain states. For example, Perlis and Terengganu have no cancer centers, while Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan each have only one.
The data further revealed that there were 237,553 reported cancer cases from 2012 to 2022, with a total of 127,252 deaths during the same period. This indicates a 56.5% increase in the gross death rate, from 31.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2012 to 49.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021.
In response to the rising number of cancer patients, the Ministry of Health reported spending RM1.34 billion on cancer treatment. This accounts for 13.89% of the RM9.65 billion spent by the ministry to deal with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Former deputy health minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye emphasized the need for immediate improvement in cancer treatment and prevention. He specifically mentioned the lower survival rate for breast cancer in Malaysia compared to other countries and emphasized the importance of increasing the number of specialists to effectively handle the growing number of cancer cases.
Currently, the majority of cancer patients in Malaysia are diagnosed at stages three and four, accounting for 64.1% of cases. Only 20.6% are diagnosed at stage two, and 15.3% at stage one. Of the cancer patients, 55.4% are female, and 48.2% fall within the age range of 25 to 59 years.
The most common types of cancer in Malaysia over the past five years are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Additionally, the age of cancer patients has been decreasing, with more cases detected among individuals in their early 30s and 40s.
The National Cancer Institute recorded the highest number of daily patient treatments in 2022, with 17,087 patients, as well as 51,784 outpatients. The center also had a 62.15% bed utilization rate, the highest in its history.
The shortage of oncologists and cancer centers in Malaysia poses a significant challenge in addressing the increasing number of cancer cases. Addressing this issue and improving the country’s health system will be crucial in ensuring optimal treatment for cancer patients and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
