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The Brunei Darussalam Cancer Registry (BDCR) reported 743 new cases of cancer among citizens and permanent residents in 2022, marking an increase from 682 cases in 2021. During the same period, 267 cancer-related deaths were also reported. Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar highlighted this in a message to mark World Cancer Day, which falls on February 4 annually. This year, the theme is ‘Close the Care Gap’. The minister said to address the issue, actions across all stages of the cancer care continuum, including early detection, treatment and end-of-life care, are crucial. “Screening examinations should be prioritised in the fight against cancer as they can detect the disease at an early stage before it progresses,” he said. “Screening examinations can save lives, and with early intervention, they can improve the prognosis and survival of patients,” he added. The minister stated that in 2019, the Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the National Health Screening Programme which provides free screening for several significant cancers, including colorectal, breast and cervical. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/TF90oP-RvvjnBSLJzLR_O-7E4zbSK6Q2tL7BYCvRHnW.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar; and file photo shows the BruHealth mobile application. PHOTO: MOH & BB STOCK PHOTO ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/PRBvPGEOeuKgdtNA4HuSV--xJ9y6TgJ3y-8INoZODL8.jpeg) PHOTO: MOH & BB STOCK PHOTO The screening services under the programme are available for citizens and permanent residents in all four districts. In July 2023, the MoH introduced a ‘Risk Assessment’ feature for colorectal cancer in the BruHealth app. The feature allows individuals to assess their risk for colorectal cancer by completing a questionnaire to determine if they are advised to undergo colorectal cancer screening. If recommended, they can schedule appointments at a clinic or a health centre through the BruHealth app for screening tests that could potentially save their lives. Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said that since the introduction of the feature over 8,000 users have completed the colorectal cancer risk assessment questionnaire. Nearly 900 users have been recommended for colorectal cancer screening, but less than 10 per cent of those recommended have made appointments at health centres. The MoH encourages the public to utilise the feature and make appointments and attend screenings if advised. The feature is crucial for individuals to assess their risk early and take proactive measures for their health, he added. To strengthen the screening programme, the MoH plans to introduce additional features in the BruHealth app to facilitate and increase participation in screenings for cervical and breast cancer. “*Insya Allah*, these features will be accessible in the BruHealth app in the coming months,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said. In addition to early detection, the minister urged individuals to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity. “In observing World Cancer Day this year, let us remember our family members and friends who have passed away due to cancer, those battling cancer and those in remission. As individuals, we may have been affected or know someone with cancer, so we must take positive steps to reduce our own cancer risk by undergoing screening if eligible or adopting a healthy lifestyle. “Let us commit to maintaining our health and work together to achieve the vision of ‘Towards a Healthy Nation’, which aligns with the second goal of Brunei Vision 2035 for a high quality of life,” the minister said. – Adib Noor

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