KUCHING: Stronger public support and understanding are needed to ensure cancer patients are not left to face the disease alone.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said cancer cases continue to rise each year, with many patients still being diagnosed at later stages due to low awareness and delays in seeking screening and treatment.
She reiterated the importance of greater public awareness and early detection in improving outcomes, adding that fear and stigma surrounding cancer often discouraged individuals from coming forward for checks.
“Cancer patients should not be marginalised or looked down upon, as this often causes them to fear seeking treatment.
“Society must replace fear with understanding, support and compassion, while families play a crucial role in providing emotional and physical care throughout the treatment journey.
“We must ensure that those going through cancer know they are not alone, that we will be strong for them when they feel weak, that they are loved, and that we will work together to keep their spirits high and help them believe that healing is possible,” she said.
She said this when officiating the World Cancer Day Darul Hana Bridge Light Up event at the Kuching Waterfront here on Saturday night (Jan 31).
Sharing her personal experience, Hanifah said her own mother had undergone cancer treatment, giving her first-hand insight into the emotional toll faced by patients and their families.
She urged family members and friends to help cancer patients maintain hope and avoid overwhelming stress, noting that emotional wellbeing played a significant role in recovery.
“When people hear the word ‘cancer’, it often feels like a death sentence. That is why we must all play our part in this fight.
“The earlier people recognise the signs and seek help, the sooner they can be treated, and we must give them the courage to do so,” she added.
Hanifah said advances in medical technology and treatment had improved survival outcomes, particularly when cancer was detected early, while government initiatives such as free screening programmes and financial assistance helped ease the burden of treatment.
She also highlighted the role of non-governmental organisations in raising awareness, commending the Society of Cancer Advocacy & Awareness Kuching (SCAN) for its outreach efforts and collaboration with the Health Ministry.
