Our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic has been a long one. We’ve adopted new lifestyles, put plans on hold, and prioritised safety above all else. While we’re so focused on the pandemic, we’ve been losing sight of another – our battle with cancer…

During the pandemic, we’ve seen a 99% increase in delayed cancer follow-ups in Malaysia due to various COVID-19 impacts¹. Correspondingly, there was also up to a 74% drop in new cancer diagnoses and this could be attributed to the delay in seeking medical attention¹. Since early diagnosis and treatment are key in improving survival, a delayed diagnosis and treatment may significantly impact the outcome.

So, while we continue to live in this new normal, let’s not forget that cancer won’t wait for COVID-19 to be over. In fact, COVID-19 will eventually become an endemic virus: one that continues to circulate in pockets of the population. What we can do as a community right now is to prioritise our health. Go for regular screenings. Follow up on treatments. Don’t wait any longer.

As cancer can affect anyone, it is important to know your risk factors so you can talk to your doctors about it. It can also help you make better lifestyle choices to improve your health. Here’s a short and simple assessment you can take to better understand your risk.