Kota Kinabalu:The launch of the first Hyperthermia Machine in Sabah is a huge step towards creating healthier and better hope for cancer patients in the State, said Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR), Datuk James Ratib.
“This launch is a testament to our commitment in advancing solutions in healthcare, promoting awareness about newer modalities in cancer treatments and providing cutting edge solutions to Sabahans.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that healthcare in Sabah should reach the public from all walks of life. We are also striving to ensure quality in healthcare for the benefit of our people,” he said.
James said the Sabah government has been proactive in addressing healthcare delivery in our State. These efforts reflect our commitment to the well-being of the people.
“I was informed that Cyberjaya Central College Kota Kinabalu and Klinik Famili Dr Juliana conducted training sessions for nursing graduates and the public on breast cancer screening from Oct 5-6. This initiative is exemplary and welcomed by my Ministry along with oncologists from both Korea and Malaysia,” he said.
James, who is also Sugut Assemblyman, continued that the invaluable exchange of information to improve cancer management in Sabah is very much welcomed.
“I was made to understand that Cyberjaya Central College conducted a Sabah Healthcare Symposium including a new gadget for pain management and invited a notable physiotherapist and chiropractor from Korea, Dr Seong Mo Yoo to conduct a teaching workshop on Oct 7 at the campus in Kota Kinabalu.
“I am also delighted to note that NGOs such as Pink Ribbon, Makna, Palliativecare Association of Kota Kinabalu and Cancer Society members of Sabah are here tonight to spread this awareness amongst those who are in need of these treatments.
The text of his speech was read by KPMKR Deputy Permanent Secretary, Maria David Edick.
Hyperthermia uses heat to damage and kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. It may be used for: A small area of cells, such as a tumor. Parts of the body, such as an organ or limb.
Hyperthermia is an adjuvant local anti-cancer treatment using temperatures exceeding the physiologically optimal level, typically 40–43 °C for approximately one hour.
Hyperthermia applied as radiosensitizer or chemosensitizer has shown great results in over four decades and is presently successfully applied in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy for treatment of many tumour types, including recurrent breast cancer, bladder cancer, cervical carcinoma, head and neck cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and melanoma.
