PETALING JAYA: A Lung Health Initiative is being considered by the government in efforts to prevent and control lung cancer.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the initiative would strengthen the control of tobacco product use including electronic cigarettes being a major risk factor for lung cancer, especially among children and teenagers.
"As many may well know, lung cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysia with 95 per cent of the cases diagnosed at a later stage, which is Stage 3 and Stage 4.
"Through our national cancer strategic plan, Malaysia is currently working towards the development of the Lung Health Initiative.
"This would involve collaborations between the public, private and third sectors in the prevention and control of lung cancer," he said in a speech at the National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2024, Sunway University, here.
On the NCCM 2024, he said the congress was aligned with the Health Ministry's National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme.
"In Malaysia, the number of reported cancer cases had increased by 46.5 per cent for the period 2017-2021 compared with 2012 to 2016.
"The NCCM 2024 aligns seamlessly with our National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021 to 2025 by addressing cancer prevention and control from a holistic viewpoint.
"By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts and stakeholders, this congress will undoubtedly contribute to the successful implementation of our national cancer control strategies," he said.