Our health minister has just been reported in the press as saying that the government foresees a higher demand for cancer treatment and supportive care in the years ahead as cancer cases are rising steadily and Malaysians are becoming more aware of the treatment available to them.

The increase in cancer cases is alarming. In 1970, the reported number of cancer cases was a mere 6,254. By 1987, this figure had shot up to 19,612 cases, an incredible increase of 214%. In 1990, there were 26,854 reported cases of cancer and within just six years, there was an increase of 40% with the number of reported cases at 37,294 in 1996.

A few years back, it was reported that 12% of deaths in Malaysia were caused by cancer and approximately 40,000 new cases are detected yearly. As much as the word 'cancer' itself is frightening, these figures are just as much, if not more, worrying. And if this is not enough, there is expected to be a phenomenal increase in cancer in the years to come. Why is this so?

The work environment is a potential source of carcinogens. There are many substances and processes used in the working place that have been implicated as carcinogens. More and more workers are expected to contract cancers that are often associated with toxic chemicals.

Smoking has been universally accepted as one of the leading causes of cancer. Based on government hospital statistics, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer among males. One of the overwhelming causes of lung cancer is the use of tobacco. The health of the upcoming younger generations is increasingly threatened, with about 50 teenagers taking up the smoking habit every day. A study conducted in 1999, found that nearly one in five Malaysian teenagers were smokers.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a major emerging problem. These chemicals can mimic natural hormones, block hormone receptors, prevent the formation of the body's hormones and increases the breakdown of these natural hormones. In short, EDCs can play havoc with finely tuned human body systems. Apart from other serious effects, EDCs also cause cancer. EDCs can be present in household chemicals and agricultural products such as pesticides, certain types of plastics or part of industrial pollutants. The chances of Malaysians being exposed to EDCs are numerous.

The usage of cosmetics is popular among Malaysians. A survey carried out some time back by CAP showed that in 120 cosmetics tested, there were no fewer than 50 cancer-causing agents. In a typical day, the modern man or woman, by the time they are thoroughly cleansed and groomed, would possibly have absorbed at least nine chemical compounds that are known human carcinogens.

Foods with high fat content are a constant risk as far as cancer is concerned. It is well-known that Malaysians are consuming more and more of these foods, including certain types of fast foods. Obesity is on the rise and this condition is considered a risk factor for cancer.

Asbestos. Although very few cases of asbestos-related cancers have been reported in this country, this hazardous material is a well-known cancer-causing substance. It is anticipated that nearly one million people worldwide will be killed by this toxic material over the next 30 years. It was postulated some time back that 33% of low-cost houses in this country use asbestos not only for roofing, but also for enclosures. Given this stark figure, the number of asbestos-related cancers reported was below the anticipated numbers and this is possible due to the lack of detection by health experts.

The above factors, as well as other contributing causes of cancer, will inevitably result in a tremendous surge in the number of new cancer cases in the future. Given the coming 10 years or so, the nation's ability to cope with treating the anticipated increases in cancer cases is in question.

The country's first National Cancer Institute, which will house 252 beds, is in the advanced stages of planning and actual construction work is expected to start soon. Unless there is a major move to focus on primary prevention and to halt the upward trend of cancer in Malaysia, it would appear critical that this present project is completed quickly and that more projects are initiated to cater solely for cancer patients in the country.

The writer is president, Consumers Association of Penang.