KUCHING: Early screening has been identified as the most effective measure in curbing the rise of colorectal cancer cases in Sarawak, which has shown a worrying trend in recent times.

Latest data shows an increase in the number of cases in Sarawak from 1,365 in 2021 to 2,189 in 2023, with Kuching recording the highest incidence rate.

Consequently, efforts to strengthen early screening and public health awareness continue to be intensified through the 2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign, held over two days at the Daycare Centre Foyer of Sarawak General Hospital.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg emphasised on a preventative approach as a key public health strategy in addressing this.

“Prevention through early screening can save lives, particularly among high-risk individuals,” he said.

He said this in a text of speech read by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing the Sarawak Premier, on Thursday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also emphasised that early detection not only increases the chance of successful treatment but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system in the long term.

This integrated initiative is seen to be in line with efforts to strengthen the state’s public health system, particularly in the prevention of non-communicable diseases through a community-based approach.

The Sarawak Premier continued to emphasise that awareness of colorectal cancer must be continuously empowered and not limited to seasonal campaigns.

“We must continue these efforts throughout the year because it is only through awareness, early screening, and timely action that more lives can be saved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Dr Sim highlighted the importance of health autonomy to enable long-term planning to be implemented more effectively in Sarawak.

“Health is a matter of policy and long-term planning, when we have autonomy, we can plan our resource, equipment, and workforce requirements more accurately,” he remarked.

In the meantime, he urged the public not to delay screening, particularly those at risk, including individuals aged 50 and above or those with a family history of the disease.

The public are also advised to be alert to early signs, such as changes in bowel habits, the presence of blood in stools, or abdominal discomfort, and to seek medical examination immediately. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii