{
  "id": 15552210,
  "title": "#HEALTH: Cancer - late detection still a challenge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/health-cancer-late-detection-still-a-challenge",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-19T03:36:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2026/10/1558713/health-cancer-late-detection-still-challenge"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, approximately 65% of cancer cases are identified at advanced stages, three or four, according to the National Cancer Registry 2021. This includes colorectal, lung, and breast cancer. Late detection leads to more complications in treatment and lower survival rates. Psychological and cultural factors, as well as limited access to screening and diagnostic procedures in certain populations, contribute to this trend. Dr Ivo Juliao, a medical oncologist and cancer initiative coordinator for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), advises seeking medical help if something feels unusual and persists beyond a week or two. Symptoms like unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, persistent sores, lumps, neurological changes, or recurring infections may indicate a potential issue. Health literacy is crucial for early detection; when people recognize warning signs, they are more likely to seek screening or consult a doctor. Misconceptions about cancer, such as it only affecting the elderly or only those with unhealthy lifestyles, can hinder early detection. While a healthy lifestyle lowers cancer risk, it doesn't eliminate it entirely. Non-smokers can develop lung cancer, and women without family history can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Colon cancer is increasingly diagnosed in young, seemingly healthy individuals worldwide. Changing diets high in processed foods and low in fiber, coupled with rising obesity rates, contribute to this trend. Screening methods need to be fast, efficient, and accessible to a large population. For colon cancer, while colonoscopy is the gold standard, faecal occult blood test kits provide a simple, home-based screening option. Malaysia now has the second highest colon cancer cases in the world, with a 53.9% increase from 2012 to 2016. To combat late detection, cancer management strategies must adapt to contemporary needs, ensuring better long-term outcomes.",
  "summary": "IN Malaysia, about 65 per cent of cancer cases are detected at stages three and four, according to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, including cases of colorectal, lung and breast cancer.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Techiman residents get free health screening as KGL Foundation marks Breast Cancer Awareness month",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/techiman-residents-get-free-health-screening-as-kgl-foundation-marks",
        "published": "2026-10-18T17:49:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Techiman residents get free health screening as KGL Foundation marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/techiman-residents-get-free-health-screening-as-kgl-foundation-marks-15468157",
        "published": "2026-10-18T18:28:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}