Breast cancer patients were three times more likely to be in crisis if their household income fell below RM3,000 per month, or if they were Malay or Indian, according to Cancer Research Malaysia.
Cancer cases that require online notification to the National Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health, are primary cancer cases diagnosed in both Malaysians and foreigners throughout government and private medical facilities.
The overall surgery cancellation rate in Malaysia is about 71%; surgeries most subject to cancellation are for benign diseases, cancer, and obstetrics.
Former Health DG Dr Ismail Merican says some hospitals have allowed only emergency treatment to continue, but cancer surgeries shouldn't be considered "elective".
“Elective surgeries should mean surgeries that can be safely postponed without major adverse consequences to the patient. This does not include cancer surgeries.”
What are the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for cancer patients and the health care workers (HCW) looking after them? New data suggests lung cancer patients seem to be particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.