Sat Oct 05 05:42:00 UTC 2024: ## Malaysia Aims to Double Oncologist Workforce by 2040
**PUTRAJAYA, Oct 5:** The Malaysian government has announced plans to increase the number of oncologists in the country to 400 by 2040, doubling the current number of 175. This target, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, will be achieved through participation in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) in Clinical Oncology.
The National Cancer Institute (IKN) will play a key role in this initiative, continuing to function as a center of excellence and contributing to the FRCR program. This expansion of the oncologist workforce aligns with the Health Ministry’s efforts to improve cancer care in Malaysia.
Minister Dzulkefly highlighted the alarming rise in late-stage cancer diagnoses, with cases detected at stages three and four increasing to 65.1% between 2017 and 2021. This concerning trend emphasizes the importance of early screening and preventive measures, as survival rates are significantly lower when cancer is detected late.
He also highlighted the leading causes of cancer-related death in Malaysia, with colorectal cancer being the primary cause for men and breast cancer for women. To enhance cancer treatment accessibility, the government is establishing two new cancer centers in Kedah and Sarawak, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Kuala Lumpur for treatment.
The announcement came during the launch of the 2024 Pink October Carnival at IKN, which received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for creating the largest pink ribbon formation with 2,050 participants. This event symbolizes the unified commitment to fighting cancer in Malaysia.
First Piper 