Cancer Strikes Before Covid Ends

Our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic has been a long one. We’ve adopted new lifestyles, put plans on hold, and prioritised safety above all else. While we’re so focused on the pandemic, we’ve been losing sight of another – our battle with cancer.

During the pandemic, we’ve seen a 99% increase in delayed cancer follow-ups in Malaysia due to various COVID-19 impacts1. Correspondingly, there was also up to a 74% drop in new cancer diagnoses and this could be attributed to the delay in seeking medical attention1. Since early diagnosis and treatment are key in improving survival, a delayed diagnosis and treatment may significantly impact the outcome.

So, while we continue to live in this new normal, let’s not forget that cancer won’t wait for COVID-19 to be over. In fact, COVID-19 will eventually become an endemic virus: one that continues to circulate in pockets of the population. What we can do as a community right now is to prioritise our health. Go for regular screenings. Follow up on treatments. Don’t wait any longer.