Putrajaya – A recent study on the effectiveness of cancer management and treatment at the National Cancer Institute (IKN) has revealed significant progress over the past decade, particularly in the survival rates of breast and lung cancer patients.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the study found that the survival rate for breast cancer patients at IKN now stands at 93 to 95 percent for a period exceeding three years. This is a notable improvement from the 86 to 91 percent survival rate recorded a decade ago. Similarly, the survival rate for lung cancer patients has risen to 56 percent, up from just 23 percent ten years ago.
Dr. Zaliha highlighted the effectiveness of early detection and treatment, especially for stage 1 and 2 breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients. The lung cancer early detection program, a collaboration between IKN and Astra Zeneca, employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which has been instrumental in enabling early treatment and thus improving recovery chances and survival rates.
Speaking at the IKN charity dinner event, which also marked the institute’s 10th anniversary, Dr. Zaliha expressed optimism about IKN’s role in leading global health developments. She emphasized the potential for Malaysia to advance in fields like genomic medicine and precision medicine in cancer treatment.
For this advancement, she underscored the importance of collaborations with organizations capable of creating a biobank, which would be essential for benefiting patients through the application of molecular and genetic research.
The charity dinner, attended by the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, aimed to raise funds for cancer patients. Dr. Wan Azizah, in her speech, pointed out the significant financial impact cancer has on families due to the high costs of treatment and care.
She mentioned that an estimated RM1 million is needed to assist financially challenged cancer patients in 2024, with the funds raised being directed to the Medical Welfare Fund Malaysia (TKPM). The event was successful in garnering donations totaling RM120,000 from TKPM, IKN Medical Education Association, and Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd.
These findings and the event’s success underscore the ongoing efforts to improve cancer treatment in Malaysia and the broader commitment to supporting patients and their families.