Day-care treatment facility for patients undergoing chemotherapy that offers comfort and stress-free environment at the National Cancer Centre, located at the Jerudong Park Medical Centre. Picture: BT/Saifulizam
CANCER has been the main cause of death in Brunei from 2004 to 2007, with a 55.1 death rate for every 100,000 people in the Sultanate, a statement from the Ministry of Health (MoH) said yesterday.
From 2002 to 2006, the National Cancer Registry has recorded a total of 1,348 new cases, averaging 269 cases a year.
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting men, and breast cancer is the most common among women.
Other forms of cancer affecting the populations are cervix cancer, endometrium (cancer of the uterus) and nasopharynx cancer (a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the nasopharynx).
As cancer cases are slowly increasing in the Sultanate, breast cancer is becoming a concern as they are being detected among women at a young age.
Lung cancer among non-smokers has also increased while obesity has been affiliated with endometrium cancer.
More than 30 per cent of the cancer cases are preventable, if people are equipped with knowledge such as changing one’s lifestyle, and if necessary actions are taken.
In a bid to prevent and control the increase in the number of cancer patients in the Sultanate, MoH has enforced Tobacco Order 2005, and has regulated rules to reduce the availability of tobacco products in the country.
Meanwhile, every year on February 4, the world commemorates Cancer Day which is aimed at raising public awareness and understanding on preventative measures and the types of treatment available for cancer patients.
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day celebration is “Cancer Can Be Prevented Too”.
According to the statement, four ways to prevent cancer is to avoid consuming tobacco products, eating healthy and doing continuous physical activities, “preventing getting diseases such as Hepatitis B which can cause cancer” and avoid consuming alcohol.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that around 84 million people will die from cancer between 2005 to 2015 if they do not adhere to cancer preventative measures.
National Cancer Centre (NCC) Specialist Oncologist, Dr Hj Mohd Syafiq Abdullah told The Brunei Times that the most common types of cancer among men and women in Brunei have not changed over the last six years.
He added: “The incoming trend is patients who are non-smokers.”
Dr Hj Mohd Syafiq advised the public to go for regular check-ups, and not to wait until they fall sick. “No doctor will tell you to go away, if you are going for a check-up.”
He elaborated: “Maintenance of the body is like maintaining a car. However, the only thing about the body is that there are no spare parts when something goes wrong. If you take care of your body, it will take care of you.”
Meanwhile, in conjunction with this year’s World Cancer Day, MoH will be organising various activities to educate and provide further understanding among public with regards to cancer prevention.
Health facilitator at the Health Promotion Centre, Shahiran Sherifuddin said that an exhibition on cancer preventative measures will be showcased at The Mall from today, until February 9 2010. The exhibits will also be showcased at Giant Hypermart and various locations in the Sultanate throughout the month. The Brunei Times
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