Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign & Navigation Clinic Launched At Miri Hospital
MIRI: Efforts to strengthen awareness and the management of colorectal cancer were further intensified through the Officiating Ceremony of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign and the launch of the Colorectal Cancer Navigation Clinic at Miri Hospital on Tuesday.
The ceremony, which took place at the Endoscopy Unit in Block A, was officiated by Councillor Sean Huang Hong Siong representing the Mayor of Miri City and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang.
In Adam Yii’s speech which was read by his representative, he emphasised that although March is International Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is marked by the blue-ribbon campaign, efforts to raise awareness must be carried out throughout the year.
According to him, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer overall, with statistics in the Miri Division showing that between 10 and 12 cases are recorded for every 100,000 residents annually, while Miri Hospital consistently records between 200 and 300 new cases every year.
He added that hospital colorectal unit data shows that only eight per cent of patients are detected at an early stage, while 49 per cent present with locally advanced disease and a further 43 per cent at the metastatic stage.
This situation clearly illustrates the importance of early detection, as patients diagnosed at an early stage have better treatment options and higher survival rates, he said.
Meanwhile, Miri Hospital has been upgraded to a tertiary facility, serving as a crucial referral centre for the Northern Zone of Sarawak.
In line with this upgrade, colorectal surgery subspecialty services have been introduced since 2025.
The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the Colorectal Cancer Navigation Clinic, which serves as a one-stop centre to guide and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
The clinic integrates endoscopy services, treatment, monitoring, stoma care, and rehabilitation support to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
This approach emphasises three key elements, namely raising community awareness, encouraging early detection through voluntary screening, and providing a holistic treatment support system.
In line with the themes ‘Early Detection Equals Better Protection’ and ‘No One Fights Alone’, this initiative reflects Miri Hospital’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every patient has access to quality treatment and comprehensive support.
The ceremony also marked the official launch of Miri Hospital’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2026, further strengthening efforts to educate the community on the importance of early screening as a primary life-saving measure.
Also in attendance were Miri Hospital Director Dr Jack Wong Siew Yu, Head of the General Surgery Department, Dr Aminnur Hafiz Maliki, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Dr Kenneth Voon, and Chairperson of the Miri Hospital Colorectal Programme Matron Collin Utan. – UKASnews
