In Brunei Darussalam, 1 in 4 men is estimated to be at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. The three most common types of cancer among men here are colorectal cancer (23 per cent), lung cancer (14.4 per cent), and prostate cancer (10.9 per cent).
New prostate cancer cases in Brunei showed an increase from 22 new cases in 2020 to 56 new cases in 2022. A similar trend is seen in testicular cancer cases, with 4 new cases in 2021, 10 in 2022, and 12 in 2023.
These numbers were highlighted in a speech by the Minister of Health Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham bin Haji Jaafar who officially launched the 2024 Movember Men’s Health Awareness Month campaign at the One City Shopping Centre on Sunday.
The Minister also underscored the importance of men’s health and the need for proactive steps in the prevention and early detection of serious health conditions.
The event marked the beginning of an important national initiative, led by PJSC through The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC).
The Minister earlier shared that in 2022, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths globally.
“The report also estimated that 1 in 9 men would lose their life to cancer, with 397,430 deaths due to prostate cancer and 9,068 deaths from testicular cancer,” he added.
Data from the Brunei Darussalam Cancer Registry (BDCR) from 2002 to 2021, said the Minister, indicates that most male cancers were diagnosed at an advanced stage when they had already spread.
In 2023, colorectal cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths among men, resulting in 40 deaths, followed by lung cancer (28 deaths) and prostate cancer (17 deaths). These statistics are concerning, especially as many of these cancers can be fully treated when detected early.
“It is therefore essential for all of us to undergo health screenings for early detection. If more men undergo regular cancer screenings, cases can be treated earlier, thus reducing cancer-related deaths,” said the Minister.
In line with this year’s theme, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham shared that men are encouraged to take immediate steps to build personal strength for change to improve their health. Men are also advised to participate in the screening tests provided.
“The Government of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the Ministry of Health, offers screening services under the National Health Screening Programme (NHSP), which includes colorectal examinations for citizens and permanent residents aged 50-75.”
Additionally, the Brunei Cancer Centre, as the primary cancer care and management centre in the country, offers various services from early detection to treatment, including consultations and testing for those at high risk of cancer using the latest methods and modern technology.
“The Brunei Cancer Centre also frequently collaborates with the Ministry of Health and national and international cancer organisations to advance cancer prevention efforts in the country,” added the Minister.
Besides health screenings, the Minister urged men in Brunei to maximise their health care by adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in physical activities, exercising, and acquiring more information on disease prevention, especially related to men’s cancers.
“Mental health care, embodying positive traits as men, husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and contributing members of family and society, is equally vital,” he added.
Therefore, any activities and initiatives that encourage men to take proactive measures and support men’s health, such as the Movember campaign, are greatly needed. The public, especially men, should participate and be involved in preventing cancer and enhancing overall health care.
In closing, the Minister called on all men to take responsibility for their health and encouraged the wider community to support men in maintaining both their physical and mental well-being.
“Let us support our husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and friends in maintaining their health, both physically and mentally, as part of building a safe and nurturing society for men,” he concluded. – James Kon
