20/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 20, 2026

26

HEALTH

Bruising, fatigue might be signs of blood disorders

LUNG CANCER SCREENING GETS DIGITAL BOOST Malaysians can now access early lung cancer risk screening through LungClear, a blood-based test available on the SeHati app by Perkeso. Developed by MyRNA, the non-invasive test detects risk through biomarkers before symptoms appear, supporting earlier diagnosis. Results are available within seven working days, with no fasting required. Recommended for those aged 40 and above, smokers and high-risk individuals, the test is currently offered at over 1,300 clinics in the Klang Valley, with nationwide expansion planned. Priced from RM420, it aims to improve access to preventive care, as early detection remains key to better outcomes. DIALYSIS CARE ENHANCED WITH ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY Maaedicare Charitable Foundation is now the first dialysis provider in Malaysia to implement ultrasound guided cannulation across all 11 centres nationwide. Supported by a RM275,000 donation from Thor Specialties, the initiative benefits around 750 patients, many from low-income groups. The technology allows real-time vein visualisation, improving accuracy, reducing failed needle attempts and protecting vascular access. This helps ease pain and improve dialysis outcomes. Malaysian Society of Nephrology president Professor Dr Lim Soo Kun said the approach enhances patient care and could serve as a model nationwide. Maaedicare said the move also aims to improve patient comfort and dignity in long-term treatment. HOSPITAL-BASED PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT KPJ Healthcare Bhd and Novo Nordisk Malaysia have partnered to strengthen structured obesity care through a hospital-based programme across Malaysia. The KPJ Metabolic and Weight Management Programme will offer specialist-led care, including medical treatment, lifestyle guidance and ongoing support. The initiative comes as one in two Malaysians are overweight or living with obesity, while 15.6% have diabetes. The programme will launch at 10 KPJ hospitals, with expansion planned. By integrating multidisciplinary expertise, the collaboration aims to improve long-term management and raise awareness of obesity as a chronic condition requiring sustained, coordinated care.

BR I E F S

U NEXPLAINED bruising, persistent fatigue or recurring fever are often dismissed as stress, lack of sleep or minor illness. However, these symptoms can sometimes signal an underlying blood disorder, where early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. Specialists have also noted that subtle, recurring symptoms often point to deeper issues, and early testing allows for more accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Types of blood disorders Blood disorders broadly fall into two categories: Cancers and non-cancerous conditions. Among the most common blood cancers is leukaemia, which occurs when mutations in blood-forming cells cause them to multiply uncontrollably. Some forms progress rapidly, while others develop more slowly. Most cases are linked to mutations acquired after birth rather than inherited, although individuals with a strong family history of cancer may require further genetic evaluation. Non-cancerous blood disorders involve issues such as abnormal bleeding or clotting. These may be inherited, such as haemophilia, or develop later in life. Conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks platelets, o Early testing, awareness help detect such conditions before they become serious

A bruise that appears without a clear cause or in areas not typically prone to injury should not be overlooked.

clots with prolonged use of oestrogen-based contraceptives. Diagnosis, treatment Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical history and basic blood tests. Further investigations, including imaging or bone marrow examination, are only carried out when necessary to confirm the cause of abnormal results and guide treatment decisions. Treatment varies based on the specific disorder. While chemotherapy remains essential for aggressive blood cancers, some slower-progressing cases may only require monitoring. Non-cancerous disorders are managed through targeted approaches such as medication, transfusions or immune therapy, depending on the diagnosis. Act early for better outcomes Doctors emphasised that seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms is critical. Early intervention not only improves treatment outcomes but also allows patients to manage their condition more effectively before it progresses. This article is contributed by

affecting the body’s ability to clot properly.

were reduced. Researchers noted that this alternative immune pathway could help compensate for weaker antibody responses, particularly in protecting against infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a bacteria linked to severe pneumonia. The findings suggest that future vaccine development may need to shift focus towards strengthening tissue-based immunity, especially as antibiotic resistance continues to rise. Study lead Wendy Picking of the University of Missouri said vaccine design should prioritise immune responses at the site where infections begin, ensuring more effective protection for individuals with obesity. The research points to the need for more tailored vaccine strategies, particularly for populations at higher risk of severe respiratory infections. – Reuters Warning signs One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing blood disorders is that early symptoms are easy to overlook, even by experienced medical experts. Doctors normally assess patterns rather than isolated incidents, particularly when symptoms persist. Warning signs that require swift medical attention include prolonged fever lasting more than two to three weeks, unusual bruising in less injury-prone areas, unexplained gum bleeding, frequent infections, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and painless lumps or swollen lymph nodes. Painless lumps are often more concerning, as they may indicate more serious conditions compared to painful ones, which are usually linked to infection. Who is at risk? Risk factors vary depending on age and lifestyle. Certain types of leukaemia are more common in children, while others occur more frequently in older adults. Exposure to radiation, chemicals such as benzene, pesticides or long-term use of immunosuppressive medication may also increase risk. Women in their reproductive years are more prone to autoimmune blood conditions, while some may face a higher risk of blood

Sunway Medical Centre consultant clinical and laboratory haematologist Dr Andy Tang Sing Ong.

A painless lump or enlarged lymph nodes that persist may be a sign of a blood disorder and require prompt medical attention.

Researchers discover how obesity impairs vaccine response

NEW research highlights how obesity may reduce the effectiveness of traditional vaccines, raising questions about how immune responses differ in higher-risk groups. The study, published in the Journal of Immunology , found that vaccines relying on strong antibody production may be less effective in individuals with obesity due to impaired immune function. In experiments involving mice, researchers observed that defects in germinal centres, where immune cells produce and refine antibodies, resulted in weaker and shorter-lived antibody responses. These centres play a key role in helping the body recognise and remember infections. Despite this, the study found that another part of the immune system remains active. Tissue-resident memory T cells, which stay in the lungs, provided early protection against infection even when antibody responses

Research suggests vaccines need to be specially tailored for high-risk populations.– 123RFPIC