NCSM Targets 5,000 In Klang Valley For Free Early Screening To Curb Silent Killer Diseases

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 Bernama) -- The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) aims to screen 5,000 people for non-communicable diseases, including heart and kidney disease and diabetes, in underserved Klang Valley communities by the year-end to reduce premature deaths.

Dr Ashley Faizah Zulkapeli, Clinical Lead and Medical Officer of the non-profit NCSM, said early screening of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases was important to save lives as they were a leading cause of death in Malaysia.

“It’s a global health crisis. Early screening, follow-ups, and continuity of care improve health outcomes, especially for communities that might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system,” she told Bernama in a recent interview.

NCSM is undertaking free screening through the Saring@Komuniti initiative launched last August in cooperation with the private sector to bring essential health services directly to such communities, including single mothers and residents of people’s housing programmes (PPR) flats.

The screening, which is usually done on weekends to encourage participation, is designed to support early intervention, improve awareness and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being, said Dr Ashley, who is a family health physician.

Malaysia consistently records some of the highest rates of heart and kidney disease and diabetes in Southeast Asia.

Up to 72 per cent of premature deaths among Malaysian men and women are due to non-communicable diseases like CRM.

Dr Ashley said she was hoping companies would come forward to help NCSM improve community health through early screening in the Klang Valley and beyond.

“CRM, often referred to as the ‘silent trio’ diseases, were deeply connected, whereby when one organ goes off-track, the other organ would follow.” 

 “It’s a bit of a vicious cycle, and true to their name, they often go undetected until serious complications arise. But chronic diseases can be managed and stabilised by slowing down the progression if detected early, kidney disease included,” she said.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, Dr Ashley noted that the global number of diabetes cases surged from 200 million in 1990 to 800 million in 2020.

“CRM diseases are preventable. If detected early, we can either reverse them or reduce the risk of complications,” she said.

However, she noted that many Malaysians remain unaware of their risks because symptoms often do not appear until late stages.

“One in two Malaysians is overweight or obese, and the number has increased by 22 per cent from 2011. Being heavier and bigger does carry risks for developing CRM diseases,” he said.

Despite advances in testing, treatment and pharmacotherapy, Dr Ashley emphasised that prevention must remain a priority.

“Although today we have better diagnostics, treatment and pharmacotherapy or medical treatment by drugs, we must also focus on prevention.

“Screening and blood tests can reveal blood pressure readings, sugar and cholesterol levels, a full renal profile and kidney function, liver function, body mass index (BMI) and urine creatinine index,” she said.

The higher incidence of CRM in Malaysia is also due to high-calorie diets, saltier foods, sweeter drinks, smoking, plus alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, as well as a lack of awareness.

There is also a lack of health education, misinformation, and accessibility to health services, especially in rural and remote areas where people are underserved and underprivileged. 

“Many people only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, by which time the disease has already advanced.

“Early screening and early detection can save lives,” she added.

-- BERNAMA