CYBERJAYA: Waiting times for cancer treatment at the Health Ministry's facilities take about a month, depending on a patient's health status.
However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said if a patient has been identified as facing an emergency, treatment will be provided immediately.
In addition to the government hospitals, Dr Dzulkefly said there is also cooperation with private hospitals and university hospitals to treat patients with cancer.
"At present, the Health Ministry provides nine oncology centres nationwide to assist patients in cancer treatment," he said at the World Cancer Day Celebration at Cyberjaya University today.
Present was the Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
Among the government hospitals that provide cancer treatment are the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya, Penang Hospital, one of the government hospitals in Johor Baru, Sarawak General Hospital, and Sabah Women and Children's Hospital.
When quoted by Bernama, Dr Dzulkefly said the increasing trend of cancer cases in Malaysia showed there were 168,822 reported cases between 2017 and 2021 according to the Malaysian Cancer Registry.
The five most prevalent types include breast, colorectal, lung, lymphoma, and liver cancer.
Given this concerning prevalence, he urged collaboration between the government and various entities, including non-governmental organisations, to contribute to cancer care and offer support to patients.
The theme for this year's World Cancer Day, which is celebrated annually on Feb 4, is "Close the Care Gap."
Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry is constantly striving to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to access quality cancer care, regardless of their circumstances.
"Everyone deserves the best chance to fight this disease."
He added through the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021-2025, the ministry provides comprehensive cancer treatment services.
"The National Cancer Institute is an example of the government's commitment to realising this matter and the government also plans to expand facilities nationwide to improve access for patients in need and strengthen support care programmes," he said.
