Cancer becomes No.1 killer in Brunei: minister

One of four Bruneians will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime and the disease is Brunei's biggest killer now, Brunei's Minister of Health Haji Zulkarnain said Sunday.

Around 600 people in the sultanate were diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and "many of us personally, and among our friends and families, know what it is like to experience the effects of cancer in our lives," the minister said in a speech on World Cancer Day.

The minister highlighted, however, that it is not enough to merely ensure that treatment options are available for those with cancer.

"Indeed, the theme for this year's World Cancer Day, 'We Can. I Can.' demands that we go further in two key aspects of controlling this disease," Zulkarnain said.

"First, in prevention, and second, in early detection. These two go hand-in-hand and forms the bedrock of our national strategy to reduce cancer deaths in Brunei."

He noted that almost half of all cancers are due to the four leading behavioral and dietary risks: smoking, being overweight, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and not enough physical activity.

The minister said that as the national healthcare provider, Brunei's Ministry of Health continues to improve medical services for patients, especially in ensuring that any suspected cancers are referred to the appropriate specialty in order to be diagnosed early, and start the necessary treatment in a timely manner. Endit