PUTRAJAYA, Sept 20 — The risk of cancer involving young people aged between 15 and 49 is due to an unhealthy diet, the excessive consumption of sugar, and the culture of smoking including vaping, said Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Speaking to the press after the launch of the 10th-anniversary celebration of the National Cancer Institute (IKN) earlier today, he said contemporary youths were attracted to trying out ‘trendy’ food which contained high levels of sugar, which are promoted by social media influencers.
“The excessive intake of sugar is due to social media influencers showcasing food containing high levels of sugar, for example, video clips showing them consuming drinks with condensed milk,” Lukanisman said.
Research has indicated that 30 to 50 per cent of cancer diseases can be prevented by healthy living.
However, an estimated 98 per cent of adults in Malaysia have at least one cancer-risk factor, namely unhealthy habits or the consumption of harmful tobacco or alcohol.
He said it is vital for programmes on prevention, early screening, palliative care and treatment and ‘survivor-ship’ to be planned and implemented for cancer patients in the country.
The anniversary, themed 10 Tahun: Melakar Kejayaan, Menggalas Harapan, celebrates the achievements and contributions of the IKN as a cancer treatment centre and cancer-related research centre established in 2013.
— Bernama
