KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is set to take a more holistic approach to address the country's looming cancer crisis, says its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

       Dr Dzulkefly said that the country saw 48,639 new cancer cases and 29,530 cancer-related deaths in 2020 with the terrifying figures set to double by 2040.

       Speaking at the Liver Cancer Awareness Day ceremony here on Sunday (Feb 4), he noted that liver cancer in particular was among the five most common types of cancers in the country which was caused by the ever-growing rate of obesity in the country.

       "Obesity increases the risk of fatty liver disease or Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease which is one of the primary causes of liver cancer.

       "The latest National Health and Morbidity Survey has reported that around 50% of adults and 30% of children in Malaysia are already overweight or obese and this figure is predicted to continue increasing annually," he said.

       He added that a holistic approach would be necessary to combat this negative trend going forward.

       "Outside of advancements in cancer treatment, we must also look at improving the overall population's access to essential health services as most cancer specialists and treatment facilities are usually only available in cities or major hospitals," he said.

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       To this, his ministry was planning to join hands with the non-profit global telementoring medical education organisation Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes).

       Through the use of videoconferencing, the goal was to provide healthcare providers in rural and isolated areas the knowledge, mentorship and support they needed to care for patients in their communities.