15/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 15, 2025

26

HEALTH

‘Cancer care pathway fragmented in Malaysia’

Survivorship: Post-treatment care poorly understood The story does not end with treatment. The majority of respondents (82%) know that post-treatment cancer care exists, but more than half of those (55%) do not understand what it involves. People in Malaysia expect their healthcare systems to provide easy access to diagnostic tests (65%), regular follow-up after treatment (69%) and clear guidance on signs and symptoms of recurrence (61%). Signs of optimism: Confidence in ‘one-stop’ cancer care services, openness to digital innovation The findings are not without optimism. Almost half (45%) said they would feel more confident in the care journey if cancer services were delivered through a “one-stop” model – the third-highest confidence levels in the region after Singapore (58%) and Thailand (57%). The findings reflect a strong expectation that more integrated care could improve the patient experience. Digital innovation is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen cancer care. Many are open to the use of AI (46%) and see it as promising (39%), provided it is transparent, clinician-led and supported by strong data privacy safeguards. Malaysia ranks second in the region for openness to the use of AI. Importantly, people want digital tools to complement – not replace – healthcare professionals (53%).

o YouGov survey shows widespread belief in early detection effectiveness, but low screening uptake

Vantive Malaysia and NKF are collaborating to recycle peritoneal dialysis bags into medication pouches.

P UBLIC perceptions of cancer care in Malaysia show critical gaps across the pathway from screening and diagnosis through to treatment and survivorship, according to new research commissioned by Siemens Healthineers. Bridging the Gaps: Public Perceptions of the Cancer Care Continuum in Southeast Asia, a survey conducted by YouGov of more than 6,000 people across six Southeast Asian countries, shows widespread belief in the importance of early detection. However, it exposes poor screening rates, gaps in access and limited understanding of treatment options and post-treatment care. The survey points to optimism around more coordinated care and the role of digital innovation. Awareness high, but action low While a strong majority (79%) believe early detection improves treatment outcomes, only 25% of respondents in Malaysia had ever undergone cancer screening. However, among the 25%, just 7% had taken specific cancer screening tests. When asked about reasons for not undergoing cancer screening, almost one-third of respondents (32%) said they “do not

feel a need” for it, a sentiment echoed across the rest of the region. Others cited fear of being diagnosed with cancer (23%) and the cost of screening being too expensive (22%). Risk perception is also lower than other countries with 24% of respondents thinking they are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime – the second-lowest level in the region, just above the Philippines. access: Knowledge of modern therapies lags Most people recognise traditional therapies such as chemotherapy (67%), surgery (46%) and radiotherapy (43%). Far fewer are familiar with newer therapies such as image-guided approaches (15%), precision therapy (14%) and immunotherapy (9%). These levels are in line with awareness across other Southeast Asian markets. Many view treatment as accessible (53%) but unaffordable (55%), and concerns about side effects are also high (56%). These views are broadly consistent with concerns across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, two in three people (67%) cite treatment costs as a major barrier – the highest in the region – followed by 62% in the Philippines. Treatment awareness,

Healthcare firm turns dialysis bags into medication pouches

VANTIVE Malaysia, a newly independent healthcare firm focused on vital organ therapies, has partnered with the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) on a recycling initiative that upscales the reuse of peritoneal dialysis (PD) bags into sustainable and functional items. Vantive first contributed upcycled tote bags made from PD bags, and has now expanded the initiative to include 1,000 medication pouches. By giving PD bags a second life, the project helps reduce unnecessary landfill

waste providing practical items that directly benefit kidney patients. This initiative expands the Jom Recycle Programme, promoting greener healthcare. By transforming recycled materials into patient-benefitting products, the programme raises awareness of recycling while addressing community healthcare needs. The upcycled products will be made available for purchase through NKF’s official website. Funds raised from sales will be channelled to support NKF’s subsidies for its patients. while

Just sore throat or tonsillitis?

Tonsils are two small glands located at the back of the throat. – 123RFPIC

TONSILS are two small glands located at the back of the throat. They are a part of our body’s immune system and they help fight germs. Sometimes, they can be infected. When the tonsils are infected and inflamed – we call it tonsillitis. What causes tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is caused by pathogens such as viruses (adenoviruses, Ebstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus) or bacteria such as streptococcus. Most often, viruses are the common organism and the tonsillitis will resolve on its own. Bacterial infections, however, will require antibiotics. Signs and symptoms A child or even adult can present with sore throat, pain or difficulty when swallowing, and fever. The tonsils will look red and swollen, with white patches over them. And if they are big, they can cause obstruction and snoring. The lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen and in young children, they may become irritable and display a poor appetite. How tonsillitis is diagnosed A doctor can diagnose tonsillitis by examining the throat. The tonsils will look inflamed and sometimes they can be very big that they touch each other. This is what we call “kissing tonsils”. An ENT specialist may put a camera up your nose to see if your adenoids (a tissue behind your nose that is similar to tonsils) are enlarged. How can it be treated? Pain and fever relief are important, and can be

managed as paracetamol and other analgesia. A doctor will prescribe numbing agents for the throat such as gargles or throat sprays. If the tonsillitis is due to bacterial infection, antibiotic will be prescribed. Staying hydrated is essential for recovery. If you have recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, it is an indication the tonsils might need to be removed through a tonsillectomy procedure. When is tonsillitis serious? You should be concerned if your sore throat lasts more than a few days, with persistent fever, or when the tonsils get so big that they hinder swallowing and make breathing difficult. Do all cases of tonsillitis need surgery? Not all tonsillitis cases require surgery. Usually, it is needed in cases of recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, severe complication of tonsillitis such as peritonsillar abscess or if the tonsils are big, causing obstruction leading to obstructive sleep apnea. Is tonsillectomy dangerous? A tonsillectomy is a safe surgical procedure. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks, such as pain, bleeding and infection. Serious complications are rare. In conclusion, tonsillitis is common and often harmless, but it can sometimes cause complications. with medications such

This article is contributed by Columbia Asia Hospital – Tebrau ENT & head and neck surgeon Dr Nur Adillah Lamry.