By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, July 25 — A total of 25 samples or 1.6 per cent from 1,528 cancer screening tests that were taken during the Selangor Saring programme have tested positive.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that as of July 17 colorectal was the highest form of cancer detected through the screenings at 5.19 per cent, while the lowest was cervical cancer at 1.07 per cent.
“In addition, a total of 7,422 samples consisting of blood and urine tests taken from 27 constituencies have been analysed,” he said when answering a question from Permatang state assemblyman Rozana Zainal Abidin on the Selangor Saring programme, during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting earlier today.
The initiative, which began on May 22 offers prostate, ocular, cervical, and breast cancer screenings, as well as occult or colorectal faecal blood testing.
The state government has allocated RM3.4 million for Selangor Saring which will benefit 39,000 residents, especially individuals with a history of hereditary diseases, obese individuals, and those leading unhealthy lifestyles.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said although the screenings were conducted on a large scale, participants need not worry about privacy, especially women.
“Selcare Management Sdn Bhd has set up their cubicle tents to be fully covered, to ensure that tests like the pap smear can be carried out more privately.
“Although the tests were not done in a healthcare premise, be rest assured that participants’ privacy is well-covered,” he said in response to an additional question from Sijangkang state assemblyman Ahmad Yunus Hairi on privacy during the programme.
When asked by Rawang state assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat on who bears the cost for further treatment if illnesses were detected in participants who underwent the screening tests, Amirudin said Selangor Saring serves as a platform for the people to check their health status.
“This is an early step to prevent the people from spending more money if they discover their disease at a later stage.
“A large portion of the treatment costs are borne by the patient themselves, but the state government provides various assistance programmes for critical illnesses including heart and kidney diseases. From these initiatives, the state government helps to absorb around 50 to 70 per cent of the total treatment costs,” he added.
