KUCHING: A cancer advocacy group is calling on Sarawak state election candidates to prioritise the improvement of cancer care in the state.

       The Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (Scan) said there were three urgent needs - a cancer hospital, financial aid for B40 cancer patients and affordable cancer treatment.

       "Please help amplify our concerns and be our advocate to champion better facilities and aid for our people in Sarawak," it said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 15).

       Scan said a cancer hospital was needed to house additional diagnostic machines as well as more healthcare professionals and hospital beds for cancer patients.

       "Hopefully, this will reduce the waiting time for patients to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan," it said.

       The society also said cancer patients from the lower-income group faced financial strains in non-treatment expenses, especially transport and accommodation costs.

       It noted that the only public oncological service and four private services in the state were all located in Kuching.

       "We hope the relevant ministry will be able to provide financial assistance to them, to lessen their burden," it said.

       In addition, Scan called for new cancer medication and treatment to be subsidised to make them affordable for cancer patients from the B40 and M40 groups.

       "Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for cancer patients can cost from RM6,000 to RM15,000 per month.

       "Subsidising such treatments will greatly improve the lives of cancer patients," it said.