By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, June 9 — Selangor men are advised to undergo early checkups to detect prostate cancer via the Selangor Saring free health screening programme, said state executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
She said this is due to the fact that prostate cancer is the third-highest ailment among men in Malaysia, with 60 per cent of them detecting it too late at the third or fourth stage.
Dr Siti Mariah added the ailment is a result of uncontrollable prostate cell growth and division.
“I want to invite everyone to attend and get early screening for free under the programme,” she said in a Facebook post.
The councillor also said individuals can register via the SELangkah app to undergo screening.
“Screening tests are offered based on the individual’s risk factors, via the early screening form on the SELangkah app,” Dr Siti Mariah said.
The state government has allocated RM3.4 million for Selangor Saring, which is expected to benefit up to 39,000 people, particularly those with a family history of ailments, obese individuals, or those leading unhealthy lifestyles.
The programme, which will run until September 4, offers physical screenings including for blood and urine, eyes, breasts and cervical tests, as well as colorectal and prostate tests.
A total of 3,215 individuals have undergone the free health screening since it began on May 22.
Selangor Saring is scheduled to run until the end of the week in three Parliamentary constituencies including Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor from 9am to 5pm.
