Dr Sam (second from right) during the launching of the "Saya Anak Malaysia" song remix.
MELAKA: The Covid-19 pandemic made it difficult for many cancer patients to undergo timely screening that could have detected their illness at an early stage, says Dr M. Murallitharan.
He said that this was due to multiple factors including constraints in getting screening and treatment at the hospitals during the height of the pandemic.
The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) managing director said that most of these patients have breast or colon cancer.
"There was a significant impact in terms of early cancer detection in the country compared to before the pandemic. About 90% of cancer patients whom I have treated are in stage three or four, and this situation is worrying," he added.
Dr Murallitharan said at a press conference on Wednesday (Sept 6) that proactive efforts are needed as the number of late-diagnosed cancer patients is expected to increase in the next five years.
He added that this should include providing early screening access at various levels including the community and government agencies.
Dr Murallitharan said that the NCSM actively implemented early diagnosis programmes, especially in rural areas, besides holding more awareness programmes on cancer and early detection so that the illness could be better treated.
He said there had been a slight increase in the number of colon cancer patients recently, especially involving men in their early 40s, compared to those in their 50s previously.
Earlier, singer Dr Sam Rasputin sang his 1986 hit "Saya Anak Malaysia" in support of cancer survivors and added that his fans should cherish the country's racial harmony.
Dr Sam - whose real name is Salim Ibrahim - sang the song before an audience that included Melaka entrepreneur, cooperative development and consumer affairs committee chairman Allex Seah Shoo Chin.
A new video of the song produced by the NCSM in collaboration with Etiqa Insurance was also launched at the event held at the Bayou Lagoon Park Resort in Bukit Katil here and has since been released on YouTube.
The video was produced over three weeks with the participation of over 60 volunteers and cancer survivors from Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Perak and here.
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