PUTRAJAYA: Early findings from a study on the effectiveness of management and treatment of cancer patients at the National Cancer Institute (IKN) found that 93 to 95 per cent of breast cancer patients have a survival rate exceeding three years compared to between 86 and 91 per cent a decade ago.
The study, conducted recently, also noted the same survival rate for 56 per cent of lung cancer patients compared to only 23 per cent 10 years ago.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the study also revealed that the observed survival rate for stage 1 and 2 breast, colorectal and lung cancer patients was also much better.
She said the lung cancer early detection programme was a collaboration between IKN and Astra Zeneca, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enables early treatment for better chances of recovery and improved survival rate.
Speaking at the IKN charity dinner event here today, Dr Zaliha said the Health Ministry was optimistic about seeing IKN lead global health developments on par with advanced countries to develop technologies in cancer treatment, such as genomic medicine and precision medicine in Malaysia.
“For this purpose, collaborations with organisations that have the capability and expertise in creating a biobank is crucial for patients to benefit from the application of molecular and genetic research,” she added.
The event was held to raise funds for cancer patients in conjunction with IKN’s 10th anniversary. The Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was also in attendance.
In her speech, Dr Wan Azizah said cancer affects household income due to the high costs of patient treatment and care, which often take a long time.
“I was told that an estimated RM1 million is needed to assist financially challenged cancer patients in 2024 and the money raised will be channelled to the Medical Welfare Fund Malaysia (TKPM),” she added.
IKN received donations totalling RM120,000 from TKPM, IKN Medical Education Association and Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd.–Bernama
