Kuala lumpur: The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) is undertaking an ambitious initiative to screen 5,000 individuals in the Klang Valley for non-communicable diseases by the end of the year. This effort targets underserved communities and aims to address the prevalence of heart and kidney disease and diabetes, which are leading causes of premature deaths in Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Ashley Faizah Zulkapeli, Clinical Lead and Medical Officer of NCSM, emphasized the critical importance of early screening for cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases. She highlighted that these diseases are a major health crisis globally and stressed the need for early detection, follow-up, and continuity of care to improve health outcomes.
The screenings are part of the Saring@Komuniti initiative, launched last August in collaboration with the private sector. This initiative seeks to provide essential health services directly to marginalized communities, including single mothers and residents of people's housing programmes (PPR) flats. Screenings are typically scheduled on weekends to maximize participation and are designed to support early intervention and enhance awareness among individuals about their health.
Malaysia is known for having some of the highest rates of heart and kidney disease and diabetes in Southeast Asia. Non-communicable diseases such as CRM contribute to 72 percent of premature deaths among Malaysian men and women. Dr Ashley expressed hopes that more companies would collaborate with NCSM to extend the reach of early screening initiatives beyond the Klang Valley.
Dr Ashley further noted the interconnected nature of CRM, often referred to as the "silent trio" diseases, which frequently go undetected until severe complications occur. She shared that chronic diseases, including kidney disease, could be managed and stabilized if detected early. Citing data from the World Health Organization, she pointed out the dramatic increase in global diabetes cases from 200 million in 1990 to 800 million in 2020, reinforcing the importance of prevention and early detection.
Despite advancements in testing and treatment, Dr Ashley stressed the significance of prevention. She explained that screening and blood tests could provide valuable insights into an individual's health, including blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function, body mass index (BMI), and urine creatinine index.
The higher incidence of CRM in Malaysia is attributed to dietary and lifestyle factors, such as high-calorie diets, saltier foods, sweeter drinks, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle. A lack of health education, misinformation, and limited accessibility to health services further exacerbate the issue, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Dr Ashley concluded by warning that many people only seek medical assistance when symptoms become severe and the disease has progressed. She reinforced the life-saving potential of early screening and detection.