Based on statistics obtained from the Cancer Registry in 2020, 806 citizens and permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam were diagnosed with cancer. In the same year, cancer has caused 352 deaths, which is 20.8 percent of deaths among citizens and permanent residents in the country. The number of people with cancer also showed an increase of 25.3 in five years. The Minister of Health stated the matter in a Message in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2022, which is celebrated every 4th of February. The theme for this year until 2024 is Close The Care Gap.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar shared that the three-year campaign will focus on equity-related issues, including raising awareness on the lack of equity in cancer care and identifying barriers for the public to access services. As well as the needed cancer care. The Minister of Health added that by closing the care gap, all the obstacles and potentials may reduce the chances of individuals on having cancer. In addition, several maters are being carried out in the country which includes increasing public knowledge on cancer prevention as well as equipping healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge.
Strengthen the basic health care provided in society, increase financial and human resources specifically for cancer research, and carried out specific cancer prevention and control plan that highlights the unique needs and resources of each country.
The Minister of Health stated that most cancers are preventable. Overweight individuals, smokers, those consuming unhealthy foods and alcoholic drinks have a higher risk of having cancer such as breast, lung and colon cancers. Therefore all such cancer risk factors can be prevented, by implementing few healthy lifestyle measures such as quit smoking and avoid exposure to passive cigarette smoke; maintain a healthy weight from childhood and throughout life; ensure the consumption of 2 to 3 servings of fruits and vegetables daily and reduce the excessive intake of food which is high in fat.
Carried out physical activity for at least 30 minutes, five times or more in a week; Undergo routine health screening tests to detect early signs of cancer which includes for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer; And, obtain vaccine injection against Hepatitis B and HPV to protect against liver and cervical cancer.
According to the Minister of Health, the COVID-19 pandemic also has a huge impact and challenge for the Ministry of Health in dealing with it. Among the challenges faced is the temporary suspension of screening activities under the National Health Screening Programme. With the country in the Early Endemic Phase, the Ministry of Health will continue to improve the early detection and prevention of cancer in Brunei Darussalam.
Source: Radio Television Brunei