KUALA LUMPUR, 16 JULY 2017 – In an effort to raise awareness about the prevalence of colorectal cancer in Malaysian society, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) today hosted the Wear It Blue Forum, an open platform attended by the public and Medical Practitioners to highlight the importance of screening and early detection of colorectal cancer, at Connexion@Nexus, Bangsar South.
According to research by the Ministry of Health, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian men and the second most common cancer among Malaysian women, after breast cancer.
Speaking at the event, Dato’ Dr. Meheshinder Singh, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at PHKL, President of the Malaysia Society of Colorectal Surgeons (MSCRS) and Past President and Founder of Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Society Malaysia (CORUM) said “Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern. It is unfortunate that most cases of Colorectal Cancer present to us in the later stages of the disease. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and curable if detected in its early stages. It is troubling that so much of energy and expense are devoted to the cure and treatment of colorectal cancer but so little time and money are spent on screening for polyps and early cancer.”

Aptly called “Together We Stand Against Colorectal Cancer”, the Wear It Blue forum focused on the importance of screening and early detection hence the dictum “nip the buds and save the guts”. Meaning that detection and removal of the polyps endoscopically preventing a subsequent surgical resection. The event started off with 2 parallel sessions for both the public and General Practitioners. Presenting at the public session was Dr. Seenivasagam, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon from PHKL who spoke about creating awareness of different screening tools available to detect cancer at the early stage.

This was followed by a talk by En. Ahmad Zaki, a colorectal cancer survivor who spoke about his journey ever since he was diagnosed and how crucial it is for early detection and screening. Later on, Ms Ong Min Ying, dietician from PHKL addressed common diet myths that are often associated with cancer.
The highlight of the programme was the forum moderated by Dato’ Dr. Meheshinder Singh which involved an active participation of various individuals representing organisations that would play an active role in screening. They include Dr. Nor Saleha bt Ibrahim Tamin, Senior Assistant Director, Cancer Unit, Ministry of Health, Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation, Dr. Azlan Bin Darus, Division Manager, Prevention and Employer Health Promotion, PERKESO, and Dr. Maryati Maharon, Exco Member, Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) has a proud history of serving the Malaysian public for over 42 years. Established in 1974, PHKL initially had 68 beds and 20 medical specialists. Today the hospital operates 308 beds, with a capacity of 352 beds and almost 200 consultants specialising in various medical and surgical disciplines. PHKL is steadfast in the delivery of affordable services that are technologically appropriate, with emphasis on quality, innovation and health promotion.

PHKL’s new outpatient centre in Block A features new clinical centres staffed by experienced and dynamic consultants as well as ample parking spaces plus a range of food, beverage and retail outlets. PHKL is set to continue its sterling reputation as a premium healthcare provider.
The hospital has structured its services to empower and enable the people to maintain the highest possible state of health and well-being through its sophisticated centres of excellence namely the Cancer Centre, Breast Care Centre, Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Spine & Joint Centre, Heart Centre and Eye Centre.

As a forerunner in the healthcare industry, PHKL strongly supports the government’s initiative to boost health tourism and provides quality and efficient treatment to medical tourists from around the globe.

For more information on Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, visit: www.pantai.com.my