THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018

CANCER AWARENESS
2 Cancer Awareness THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018

A call for action

DEMYSTIFYING cancer and having
people recognise its impact on our
society and economy is the goal of
every awareness campaign.
Changes to diet and physical
habits in the average person could
be contributing to the rising
number of cancer cases in the
country, and we need a better way
to handle it.
Dr Saunthari Somasundaram,
president and medical director of
National Cancer Society Malaysia
(NCSM), speaks about the state of
cancer care and management in
the country.
“The foremost problem in
Malaysia is that we as a country
are more reactive towards cancer
when we should be practising
preventative measures,” she says.
Patients with the five most
common cancers in the country –
breast, colorectal, cervical, lung
and nasopharyngeal – are part of
a trend of late detection with a
majority already in stages 3 and 4
of the disease upon diagnosis.
According to Dr Saunthari,
40% of breast cancer cases, 65%
of colorectal cancer cases, 60% “For this reason, we organised thinking of cancer as a terminal for people seeking help such as its experts from countries with more
of cervical cancer cases, 90% the primary healthcare cancer illness. toll-free cancer helpline (1800 881 developed cancer care initiatives
of lung cancer cases and 60% forum on World Cancer Day to “Instead, providing back-to-work 000), e-mail (help@cancer.org.my) who will be in attendance.
of nasopharyngeal cases are shift the mindset of general support should be prioritised. A and a mobile app (Stronger than NCSM hopes to show these
presented late, which decreases practitioners and nurses, who are good support programme in a Cancer). stakeholders, including the
the patients’ survival rate. often frontliners in healthcare,” workplace would provide cancer Government, that despite cancer
“We need to realise that
healthcare shouldn’t be just about
shares Dr Saunthari.
Another pressing issue is how
survivors sufficient flexibility for
post-treatment activities such as
Making a difference being a huge problem and having
large-scale challenges, it can be
tackling existing problems and that most cancer survivors are not oncologist appointments,” adds Dr For the first time on home turf, overcome.
we shouldn’t seek healthcare only aware of their rights and do not Saunthari. NCSM will be hosting the World At the congress, countries often
when we’re sick. have legal or human resource Resource allocations to invest in Cancer Congress in Kuala Lumpur show how their struggles have
“Screening is important. If we support when it comes to returning social workers are something Convention Centre from Oct 1 to 4 resulted in huge successes against
put preventative healthcare into to work or school, according to NCSM sees merit in, to contribute this year. cancer. It could encourage
practice, the doctor, apart from NCSM. to the well-being of cancer patients. Dr Saunthari shares that it Malaysian stakeholders to adopt
treating your illness, should “This is going to be a growing As Dr Saunthari puts it, “It is a would be an excellent opportunity the courage and fortitude to invest
also be looking at your family problem because as treatment small price that will bring about a to assist the Government to achieve in cancer control.
history, ask if you’re due for your advances and if early detection huge difference to patients.” its cancer control targets, as local
annual check-up, or investigate improves, most people will survive To support cancer patients and and regional cancer management n For more information,
if your symptoms are part of a cancer, which is good news. The caregivers nationwide, NCSM has stakeholders can benefit from the call 03-2698 7300 or visit
larger problem. corporate world should stop developed several modes of contact knowledge-sharing of oncology www.cancer.org.my

Managing bowel movement

HIPPOCRATES, the father of
modern medicine, said “All disease
begins in the gut” – a quote that
still holds true today.
Most individuals
A diet low in fibre but high in resort to laxatives
red meat, colon inflammation
triggered by bacterial infection, as a quick fix for
physical inactivity, alcohol abuse
and chronic laxative use are
bowel irregularity.
common causes of poor gut health. However, long-term
According to the International
Journal of Cancer, almost 40% use of laxatives
of cancer deaths, including
colon cancer, are preventable
often results
with lifestyle changes, which in decreased
include adopting a plant-based,
fibre-rich diet, regular exercise and bowel function
ensuring our bowel movements
are regular.
or lazy bowel
Based on a 2004 study published syndrome and may
lead to laxative
in the American Journal of
Gastroentology, irregular bowel
movement or constipation affects
nearly a quarter of the world’s
dependency.
population.
Most individuals resort to
laxatives as a quick fix for bowel of Nutrition.
irregularity. However, long-term Biogrow ProGut is suitable for
use of laxatives often results in constipation have lower levels of BB-12 probiotic strain from sachets a day after meal or individuals who wish to maintain
decreased bowel function or lazy Bifidobacteria in the large Denmark – a strain of whenever convenient is or improve gut health as it offers a
bowel syndrome and may lead to intestine. Bifidobacterium with more than recommended. natural way to manage bowel
laxative dependency. The level of good bacteria in the 300 scientific publications and over Each sachet contains 2.4g soluble movement with fibre and
Therefore, prolonged laxative gut will also decrease with ageing, 130 clinical studies carried out on and insoluble fibres with one probiotics. It is available in all
use is discouraged and should be making dietary supplementation of it. billion colony-forming units (CFU) pharmacies nationwide.
replaced by natural food remedies probiotics essential to ensure One sachet daily provides a of live probiotic cultures.
that combine dietary fibres and optimal gut function. synergistic effect for improved The dose of one billion CFU This article is brought to you by
probiotics for the maintenance of Biogrow ProGut is made from intestinal function and a balanced of BB-12 has been clinically tested Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
good gut health. all-natural Swedish oat fibre gut microbiota. and shown to have benefits on
A 2012 study published in formulated with dual action from To consume, mix one sachet defaecation and bowel frequency, n For more information, call
the World Applied Science the well-researched Oat BG22 fibre (≈ 6.9g) with cold water, fruit juice, according to a 2015 study 03-7956 2220 (9am to 5pm) or
Journal reports that people with powder and Bifidobacterium lactis cereal or yoghurt. One to two published in the British Journal e-mail info@biogrow.com.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018 3
4 Cancer Awareness
POPULAR media may not reflect
this reality, but childhood cancers
are highly treatable – so treatable,
in fact, that most childhood cancers
have a 50% to 60% cure rate.
Of course, the stage of detection
and type of cancer influence the
cure rate, but due to progressively
improved cancer management
strategies and modern medicine,
the numbers keep getting better
and better.
Dr Chan Lee Lee, consultant
paediatrician and paediatric
haematologist at Subang Jaya
Medical Centre, shares, “The most
common childhood cancer is acute
leukaemia, which accounts for at
least a third of all cases, followed
by brain tumours, lymphoma and
a smattering of rare cancers such
as cancers of the bone, soft tissue,
liver, kidney and eyes.
“Overall, the most common form
of leukaemia in children – acute
lymphoblastic leukaemia – has an
80% to 90% cure rate. Some types
of lymphoma and cancers of the
kidney have good cure rates of
around 90% as well.”
According to Dr Chan, there
is less emphasis placed on
paediatric cancer research
compared with adult cancer in
the country, because the
percentage of paediatric cancer
cases is very small compared to a
lot of adult-onset cancers.
“When raising awareness, we
are hoping that parents come in
early and seek treatment instead of
opting for alternative therapy. We
hope that we can educate the
population on the importance of
medical advances and therapy that
provide children with immediate
help and keep the cancer in check,”
says Dr Chan.
She asserts that knowing cancer
can also occur in children is
important. Parents and guardians
should know how to recognise
symptoms, especially if they are
persistent, and bring their children
to the right medical professional to
diagnose and treat them.
“I think it is also important to
highlight the fact that cancers in
children are so treatable. The fears
parents have about chemotherapy
are always carried over from what
they see in adults but, on the
whole, I find that children tolerate
chemotherapy very well. Parents
should not be wary and should opt
for tried and tested methods,” she
adds.
After the diagnosis
The process does not end at the
Every patient is different
CANCER management services
involve treating each patient as
an individual, due to the vast
diversity in cancer typology and
how cancer develops in each
person.
As every treatment centre may
provide different approaches and
services to cancer management,
patients should research and
explore their options before
undergoing treatment.
According to Dr Yap Beng
Khiong, consultant oncologist at
Subang Jaya Medical Centre, a
good centre should preferably
have a wide range of facilities
for diagnosis and treatment,
manned by multidisciplinary
teams to support patients’
treatment plans.
“It is important to realise that
cancer treatment has to be
delivered in a timely manner
Reviewing attitudes
towards childhood cancers
Dr Yap Beng Khiong.
diagnosis. Treatment and
surveillance investigations are
ongoing and, according to Dr Chan,
children usually adjust better to
treatment than adults while the
parents or caregivers continue to
worry.
She mentions that caregivers
should seek emotional support in
the form of survivor meetings or
cancer support groups.
Dr Chan shares that when a new
patient is admitted into her care,
the nurses match the new family to
another so that both patients and
caregivers may find
companionship in each other to
ease the treatment journey.
Cancer management uses a
combination of treatment methods.
A good treatment plan and team
consists of medical professionals
from a variety of disciplines such
as paediatric oncology, radiation
oncology, oncology imaging,
nuclear medicine and surgeons.
When it comes to treatment, not
much has changed over the years.
What has changed, however, is the
quality and precision of treatment.
“Chemotherapy, surgery and
radiotherapy are the three main
modalities employed in cancer
treatment and have remained so
for a long time,” says Dr Yap Beng
Khiong, consultant clinical
oncologist at SJMC.
“A patient’s cancer treatment
is now managed by a
rather than have the patient
shuttled around from hospital to
hospital due to the lack of
necessary facilities,” says Dr Yap.
The three main branches of
cancer management are medical
oncology, surgical oncology and
radiation oncology. A good
treatment centre should have
well-equipped facilities in these
three areas.
l Medical oncology – This
discipline involves using a
combination of chemotherapy,
hormonal therapy, biological
therapy and targeted therapy that
is tailored to each cancer patient
to treat their disease.
l Surgical oncology –
Surgeons specialising in cancer
management contribute to a
patient’s treatment plan when it
involves removing tumours or
cancerous tissue.
Dr Chan Lee Lee.
multidisciplinary team who are all
specialists in a field of oncology
and are dedicated to coming up
with and maintaining a working
treatment plan for the patient.”
He adds that cancer
management strategies should not
be limited to medical decisions.
Organising patient and caregiver
support groups for different types
of cancer could contribute to the
l Radiation oncology –
Radiation oncology is applied as
curative treatment for cancer.
It is also used palliatively to
relieve symptoms for patients in
advanced stages of cancer.
In addition to a solid
background in the
aforementioned cancer
treatment areas, here are
some other services that could
positively impact cancer
management.
l Haematology-oncology –
Experts in this area are involved
in the diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of blood diseases and
cancer as well as research.
Haematology-oncology includes
diseases such as anaemia,
haemophilia, sickle cell disease,
thalassaemia, leukaemia
and lymphoma in adults
There is less
emphasis placed
on paediatric
cancer research
compared with
adult cancer in the
country, because
the percentage of
paediatric cancer
cases is very small
compared to a lot
of adult-onset
cancers.
general well-being and emotional
health of both groups, as
encouragement and peer support
are essential.
“In support groups, patients
and their caregivers can share
and children.
l Stem cell transplantation –
Stem cell transplants can be used
to treat cancer. Stem cell
transplants are most often used
for cancers affecting the blood or
immune system, such as
leukaemia, lymphoma and
multiple myeloma.
l Oncopathology service –
This specialised and
comprehensive laboratory
service plays a crucial role in
supporting patient care by
providing accurate, timely
diagnoses, which in turn
contribute to positive therapeutic
implications.
l Nuclear medicine – This
medical specialty involves the
application of radioactive
substances in the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases.
l Interventional oncology –
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018
their individual struggles and
realise that they are not alone,”
says Dr Yap.
In addition, public awareness
activities could help destigmatise
the fight against cancer. By taking
part in public lectures and
awareness activities, oncologists
can help the public approach
cancer and cancer treatment with
hope instead of despair.
Dr Yap asserts, “We cannot
implement the policy but we can
influence the policymakers. We try
to tell the public what’s going on,
but they have to ask themselves
some questions – when to go for
treatment, how they want to go for
treatment and how much they
want to detect cancer early.
“Our country’s cancer
infrastructure can be improved
further. Everyone can play a role.
We can educate the public on what
services are available and what
should be available, so everyone
has a choice in what they do about
it.”
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
A branch of radiology,
interventional oncology
deals with the diagnosis
and treatment of cancer and
cancer-related problems using
targeted, minimally invasive
procedures performed under
image guidance.
Biopsies, which involve
removing body tissues to screen
for presence or extent of a
disease, are part of a technique
employed under interventional
oncology.
l Oncologic imaging –
An important aspect of
multidisciplinary management
of cancer, oncologic imaging
applications include early
screening for cancer, diagnosing
and staging of cancer, treatment
planning, tumour response
monitoring and cancer
recurrence.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018 Cancer Awareness 5

Looking
beyond the cure
CANCER can affect anyone at any
age. For children with cancer,
however, outcomes are more The incidence
promising. With medical advances
and extensive research, childhood
of ischaemic heart
cancer cases in Malaysia have a disease is five
times higher in
high cure rate, with children living
healthily into adulthood.
One in every 6,500 individuals
aged 18 and below has cancer. In
childhood cancer
Malaysia, approximately 800 new survivors and
their risk of stroke
cases are seen annually. Cancer is
the leading cause of death in
children and adolescents in most
developed countries.
is eight times
The specialists who treat higher compared
to age-matched
childhood cancers – paediatric
oncologists – are aware of the long-
term side effects of cancer
treatment in childhood. In addition peers.
to curing patients, paediatric
oncologists attempt to achieve a Dr Hany Ariffin
balance between improving cure
rates and reducing late effects from
treatment. are direct toxic effects from the more commonly occur later in caused early-onset hypertension,” particular matter is called
“There are always side effects of drugs used in cancer treatment,” life. says Dr Hany. childhood cancer survivorship,
the various cytotoxic agents and says Dr Hany Ariffin, professor of “Clearly, there is some element According to her, the incidence and there is a lot of work being
drugs that are used in cancer paediatrics at Universiti Malaya. of premature or accelerated ageing of ischaemic heart disease is five done to investigate its cause and
treatment for children. Patients Paediatric oncologists have come that occurs in these childhood times higher in childhood cancer prevention.
can lose their hair, develop mouth to realise that childhood cancer cancer survivors, because it is not survivors and their risk of stroke is “We are trying to help people
ulcers or, due to intake of steroids, survivors have a much higher rate something that is directly related to eight times higher compared to who are currently experiencing
gain a lot of weight. These are or much earlier development of the drugs they received during age-matched peers. symptoms of premature ageing,
transient side effects. age-related morbidities, she adds, treatment decades ago. Dr Hany also mentions that the and prevent children undergoing
“However, some of these drugs as reflected in results from various “Some drugs do directly exact biological mechanisms cancer treatment now from the
also contribute to direct damage to studies. contribute to injury in certain linking premature ageing and condition in the future,” says
certain organs. Certain drugs can These include diabetes, organs, but it is quite intriguing to cancer treatment in childhood are Dr Hany.
cause heart muscles to weaken, hypertension and cardiovascular think that something a child still being studied.
some affect nerve health – these disease – all morbidities that received 35 years ago has now “The area of research on this > TURN TO PAGE 8
6 Cancer Awareness
A serious threat
to the nation
COLORECTAL cancer is highly
treatable if detected early.
However, because the standard
screening age in Malaysia is 50
and patients are often unaware of
the prevalence of colorectal
cancer, the disease is often
overlooked, resulting in diagnosis
at later stages.
“General awareness of
colorectal cancer is quite low and
I don’t think people realise that it
is one of the most common
malignancies not just all over the
world, but especially in
Malaysia,” says Datin Dr Wendy
Lim, consultant gastroenterologist
and hepatologist at Sunway
Medical Centre.
“The important thing to know
is that it is preventable.”
Dr Lim shares that colorectal
cancer is the second most
common cancer among men in
Malaysia and the third most
common cancer among women,
according to a 2003-2005 study by
the Health Ministry on cancer
incidence in peninsular Malaysia.
“People are happy to screen for
breast, cervical or prostate
cancer, but when we ask them to
screen for colorectal cancer,
there’s always that moment of
hesitation. When it involves
procedures such as testing stool
samples or undergoing a
colonoscopy, they tend to shy
away,” she adds.
“We want to get people
thinking about their own risk. So
much depends on people coming
forward and asking after
screening methods to protect
themselves from the risk of
developing colorectal cancer.
“There are a lot of studies
looking at exactly when it
happens and when exactly the
risk increases. The age at which
colorectal cancer occurs in
Malaysians is much lower
compared to Western patients, so
what we are advocating for is
that screening begins at 40 in this
country.”
Nipping it in the bud
Implementing a nationwide
screening programme can help
medical professionals detect
cancer early in the population.
Colorectal cancer screening
tests can also find pre-cancerous
growths or lesions and remove
them, reducing patients’ risk of
developing the disease.
It is common in Malaysia for
colorectal cancer cases to get
picked up a lot later compared
to people in similar age groups
in countries with nationwide
screening programmes.
In those countries, people are
given notice once they turn 50 to
undergo screening for colorectal
cancer. These notices include test
kits that recipients have to return
to screening facilities with stool
smear samples.
Those with negative screening
results are given the all-clear and
will start receiving test kits
annually. Those who are tested
positive, however, are referred to
hospitals for a colonoscopy.
According to Dr Lim, this national
initiative for a screening
programme is what we lack in
Malaysia.
“As opposed to screening tests
General
awareness of
colorectal cancer
is quite low and I
don’t think people
realise that it is one
of the most common
malignancies not just
all over the world,
but especially in
Malaysia.
Datin Dr Wendy Lim
such as ones for breast cancer,
where if you discover a lump,
cancer has already developed,
colorectal cancer screening is more
about preventing cancer from
developing.
“If polyps are found while
screening, they can be removed
almost immediately. Polyps are
often non-cancerous growths, but
are pre-cancerous, which means
some can develop into cancer.”
She adds that since the risk of
colorectal cancer increases from
age 40 onwards, screening people
at an earlier age could help detect
the disease in its earlier stages and
lead to better prognoses for
patients.
“In a way, screening will not only
decrease mortality rates but also
result in substantial cost savings to
the nation’s healthcare by avoiding
putting patients through expensive
chemotherapy, radiotherapy and
palliative care as well as reducing
loss of productivity from patients’
inability to work,” shares Dr Lim.
Looking out for indicators
“Unfortunately, there are little to
no visible symptoms for colorectal
cancer. That is why we currently
push for people to undergo
screening from age 50.
“There are some who present
with bleeding in their stool or
black stool. Abdominal pain,
unexplained weight loss and loss of
appetite are also some indicators
people should take notice of. If
someone comes in with these
symptoms, we forgo the stool test
and go straight to the colonoscopy,”
says Dr Lim.
Patients should also ask
questions and be informed about
the different screening procedures
available. For instance,
colonoscopies should be done by a
trained gastroenterologist who has
extensive experience in endoscopy
and is skilled in detecting and
removing polyps.
She adds that, for now,
Malaysians aged 40 and up should
commit to regular screening for
colorectal cancer.
“It is not a hugely demanding
task. Someone with an average risk
with no family history of colorectal
cancer would be subject to a
Reducing mortality rates
from colorectal cancer
CONSULTANT gastroenterologist
and hepatologist Datin Dr
Wendy Lim opines that having
every hospital treat each
colorectal cancer case the way
it does in notifying the Health
Ministry of infectious disease
cases would be helpful in
contributing to a comprehensive
cancer registry.
“Information on screening
procedures should be
transparent, and since there
are several methods available,
Myth
I have to drink a large amount of
laxative solution to empty my bowel
during prep.
I cannot eat or drink anything but
water during prep.
Colonoscopies can be painful.
My colon may be perforated during
the procedure, so it is too risky.
I will be passing gas for days after the
procedure.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018
general colonoscopy only once benign and non-benign lesions.”
every 10 years.
“Stool tests and sigmoidoscopies
She continues, “I hope we can
inform the public that colorectal
(lower large intestine and rectum cancer is more common than we
examinations) are annual, and
virtual colonoscopies can be done
think, and that men and women
are equally affected. As mentioned
once every five years,” asserts Dr
Lim.
before, there is a certain aversion
to the topic of colorectal cancer,
“Of course, technology plays a but we need to be more open about
part as well. There are advanced the rising risk of this disease.”
gadgets such as wide-angled, high-
resolution colonoscopes that can n For more information,
help us differentiate between call 03-7491 1394.
people can choose one or a about colonoscopies, and
combination they are most understandably so. For your
comfortable with. gastroenterologist to perform an
“For instance, if you are of
average risk, you don’t
ideal scan of your colon, the colon
first has to be cleansed and
necessarily have to go for a emptied. Colon preparation, or
colonoscopy if you are squeamish “prep” as it is known, is an
about the process. essential step to emptying the
“Research the various colon.
screening methods, explore Below are some myths about
preferred and alternative colonoscopies debunked, so you
methods, and choose the ones may undergo screening for
most suited to you,” says Dr Lim. colorectal cancer with peace of
Many people are concerned mind.
Fact
Most prescribed laxative solutions now are taken in split doses, allowing you
to drink half the solution the night before and the other half the morning of
your procedure.
Clear liquids and food low in fat and fibre are completely fine to consume
during prep. Anything from clear broth to popsicles are allowed, as long as
nothing is artificially dyed red, blue or purple. It is advisable to stop eating or
drinking four hours before your procedure, however.
Most patients are either fully or lightly sedated during the procedure, and
the flexible scope minimises the chance of you feeling any pain. Some slight
discomfort is to be expected.
Colonoscopies are extremely safe when performed by highly trained and
experienced professionals. Your risk of experiencing a perforated colon
during a colonoscopy is less than 0.2%.
Air is introduced into the colon during a colonoscopy for the gastroenterolo-
gist to better view the intestinal walls. You can expect to be passing gas for a
while after the procedure, but it should not last for days.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018 7
8 Cancer Awareness
Providing support and strength
> FROM PAGE 5
She also advises that managing,
preventing and treating diabetes,
hypertension and cardiovascular
disease is already a huge burden
on any country’s national health
budget.
If these survivors are developing
said chronic diseases at an age
when they are supposed to be
actively contributing to the
economy, the implications to the
country’s earning could be serious.
“In our country, the main focus
for many years had been on curing
patients. Only when we started
curing more and more children did
we realise that something is
happening to our survivors. Now,
we have shifted to thinking about
how the treatment could affect
them in the long run when we
design treatment plans and
strategies,” shares Dr Hany.
Helping develop cancer
care
While medical professionals
strive to find a balance between
long-term physical effects and
standard cancer treatment, the
emotional impact on a child with
cancer should also be considered.
Cancer can take its toll on
both patients and caregivers
emotionally, physically or
financially. A representative from
the National Cancer Council
(MAKNA) shares that it is always
advisable for patients and
caregivers to trust their team of
cancer management professionals
and heed its advice throughout
treatment.
However, while professionals
handle the medical part, the
caregiver of a child with cancer
can help ease the child’s treatment
journey by taking care of
themselves first.
The MAKNA representative
shares that support systems should
be more visible to the public.
“Support groups have a
significant impact on the cancer
management journey because by
everyone sharing their ordeal or
experience, we can all learn from
one another,” says the MAKNA
representative.
Moreover, caregivers are often
tasked with making medical
decisions for their child, and they
need to have a complete
understanding about the range of
treatment options and potential
risks associated with those choices
before giving their approval for
tests and procedures.
Learning to communicate with
their young patients is also
important for caregivers.
Giving the child too much
information on the disease and
treatment methods will
unnecessarily burden him,
especially when the information is
attained from too many sources
with opposing views. It also
confuses the caregiver.
A support group can help if both
caregiver and patient are feeling
overwhelmed, and reassure them
that all parties involved are
working towards one thing –
curing the child.
“Those in urban areas know too
much, but those in rural areas lack
awareness! The foremost problem
in this country when it comes to
cancer detection and prevention is
that people are afraid,” says the
MAKNA representative.
She adds that some people she
meets are under the impression
that cancer is a death sentence,
and that Malaysians are slowly but
surely moving away from that
mindset with many organisations
encouraging cancer screening,
early detection and prevention.
“In my experience, when we go
to rural areas to spread cancer
awareness and give public talks,
people are much more inclined to
participate in the screening
services we provide. Reception is
more favourable when people
know what is happening,” she
concludes.
At times, the slow progress of a
certain treatment plan could
Finding proof in genes
WHEN data gathering for
childhood cancer survivorship
took off, researchers started
measuring a structure in the
DNA called the telomere.
Our cells replenish by
constantly copying themselves,
but telomeres get shorter each
time a cell copies itself.
Eventually, telomeres shorten
too much to function, and
causes our cells to age. As
opposed to chronological age,
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2018
distress parents, especially when
its effects on their child are barely
visible. Some people approach her
about alternative therapy, says Dr
Hany.
She advises that the use of
traditional medicine along with
prescribed treatment should be
done carefully, but it does not
mean they cannot complement
each other.
Parents should be frank with
their child’s oncologist about their
desire to try out alternative
medicine so they can have honest
conversations about the child’s
treatment.
“Alternative therapy is a popular
thing, but no alternative methods
have been proven to be able to
treat cancer. Delaying medical
treatment to try out other options
only results in allowing the cancer
to advance and decreasing the
child’s chances to be cured,” says
Dr Hany.
measuring telomeres tells us
our biological age.
Dr Hany Ariffin, professor of
paediatrics at Universiti Malaya
shares that the telomere
lengths of childhood cancer
survivors aged 26 who were
otherwise healthy, when
compared to published data,
were similar to people with a
chronological age of 40-70,
indicating a measure of
premature ageing.