Liow: NCD rate to increase

Star: BENTONG: Do not have a nonchalant attitude towards non-communicable diseases (NCD) as community participation is vital in ensuring a successful fight against it, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
“According to the World Health Organisation, the NCD rate will go up by 17% worldwide in the next decade without public and government intervention. This is a very high percentage.
“We have to create a level of urgency and ensure the community is equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to be healthy,” he said after attending the Bentong Health Carnival and screening at SJK (C) Manchis here.
Almost 4.8 million Malaysians suffer from NCD which includes hypertension, heart ailments, cancer and diabetes.
The ministry, Liow said, was working with WHO to determine the target reduction rate for NCD and to reduce it effectively.
Early detection and prevention, he added, could sharply reduce the risks.
“For example, most cases of breast cancer which is the most common cancer among women are identified very late.
“It is easier to treat if identified early,” he said, adding that breast cancer made up about 35% of cancers affecting women.
Liow, who also presented 179 students with free prescription glasses courtesy of Yayasan Tun Rahah said health carnivals, mobile clinics and target screening for high-risk groups were being carried out to help prevent NCD. Traditional and complementary medicine, he added, could also help prevent NCD.
High-risk groups include obese people, the elderly and those suffering from diabetes and heart ailments.