News and Announcements

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The National Cancer Registry (NCR) would like to thank the Honorable Deputy Minister of Health, Datuk Dr. Hj Abd Latiff Bin Ahmad for launching the 2nd NCR report at Hospital Kuala Lumpur on 13th December 2004.

This report was the result and culmination of all efforts put together over the year 2003, especially the Source Data Producers (SDPs) who have been faithfully sending in their data every month. Excellent work was put in by the Cancer Registry Unit, members of the Advisory Committee and organizing committee of this meeting who had worked very hard to ensure the smooth running of this event. Much of the work was carried out by individuals behind the scenes, especially the Clinical Epidemiologists, Cancer Registry Managers, Clinical Registry Associates, Biostatisticians, and Database Administrator. Another important group that had contributed to the success of National Cancer Registry was the Expert Panel who had undertaken quality control of the reported data, determined the diagnostic basis of the reported tumour, and undertook literature review in their respective areas.

For the future, NCR will embark on the web application project on 2005. This will enable the SDPs to submit data via the web; to access and download their own data and thus enable them to submit their own data to their individual regional registries appropriately.

The NCR wishes to express its appreciation to the Director General of Health, Deputy Director General of Health ( Hospital Division ), Deputy Director General of Health (Research and Technical Support Division), participating centers from the Ministry of Health, Universities, private sector, non-government organizations, expert panel members as well as industry and well-wishers.

Click here to view some pictures taken during the launching.

NCR 2003 report can be viewed online here

16/12/2004

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The Expert Panel of the NCR met at the Fraser’s Pine Resort, Fraser’s Hill from 23 – 25 September 2004. Sixty-six members of the medical profession and allied health with expert knowledge on cancer attended the meeting.

Objective: To review and code 2003 data reported to the National cancer Registry.

Specific Objectives:

1. To undertake Quality Control of the reported data

2. To determine behavior of the reported tumor

3. To assign sub-site code to the reported tumor

4. To determine the diagnostic basis of the reported tumor

NCR would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all participants for their expert contribution and the success of this meeting.

30/09/2004

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Dr Donald Maxwell Parkin, Chief, Unit of Descriptive Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) visited the National Cancer Registry on 20 September 2004.

Dr Gerard Lim Chin Chye presented an update of the NCR to Dr Max Parkin.

The NCR team had a frank and meaningful session with Dr Max Parkin. His valued feedback was greatly appreciated by the NCR.

30/09/2004

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First National Conference On Cancer Research Coordination was organized by the Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur on 27 – 28 April 2004.

The theme: Future Directions in Cancer Research in Malaysia.
There were over 100 participants of representation from diverse interested parties in cancer and cancer researchers.

The objectives were :

1. To help formulate a national cancer research blueprint
2. To take stock of past and ongoing cancer research
3. To identify cancer research needs for the end of 8MP and 9MP
4. To identify research priority areas
5. To study the role of herbal medicine in cancer research
6. To identify new frontiers in cancer research
7. To identify challenges, knowledge gaps and ways of promoting cancer research
8. To foster networking and collaboration with local and international research institutions

Y.Bhg Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohd Ismail Merican, Deputy Director General of Health (Research & Technical Support), Ministry of Health, Malaysia officiated the meeting and presented the keynote address entitled “Cancer Research in Malaysia : Current Perspectives and Future Directions”

The distinguished plenary speakers were:
• Dr. Lawrence Piro
Cancer Institute Medical Group, California
Overview of cancer research on treatment

• Professor Dr. Soo Khee Chee
Director, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
Research at National Cancer Centre, Singapore

• Professor Lee Hin Peng
Department of Community, Occupation and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore
Chairman, Singapore Cancer Registry
Cancer Epidemiology Research : A review of current understanding and future directions

• Dr. Cynthia Goh
Senior Consultant and Head
Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
Chairman, Singapore Hospice Council
Impact of Palliative Care Research on Cancer Care

• Professor Azimatol Hawariah Lope Pihie
Centre for Science and Biotechnology
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Overview of Cancer Research in Herbal Medicine

• Professor A Aziz Baba
Deputy Dean and Consultant Haematologist/ Oncologist
University Sains Malaysia
What should be the focus of research in cancer treatment in Malaysia?

After the lectures and presentation of the draft report from respectives chairmen of the working group, the participants dispersed into 7 working groups to fine tune the draft report:

Group I : Cancer Epidemiology Research –Chairperson : Dr. Lim Teck Onn
Group II : Cancer Prevention Research – Chairperson – Dr. Zarihah Zain
Group III : Cancer Diagnosis Research – Chaiperson : Prof Dr. Looi Lai Meng
Group IV : Cancer Treatment Research – Chairperson : Dr. Gerard Lim Chin Chye
Group V : Cancer Rehabilitation Research – Chairperson : Assoc. Prof Dato’ Dr. Zaliha Omar
Group VI : Palliative Care Research – Chairperson : Dr. Mary Cardosa
Group VII : Herbal Medicine in Cancer Research – Chairperson : Dr. Noor Shahidah Khairullah

Y Bhg Datuk Hj Mohd Ismail Merican, chaired the presentation from the 7 groups at the end of the conference. There were active participation from the audience expressing their opinions and proposals.
The groups were to submit their final reports to the chairman of the organizing committee, Dr Ng Kok Han for compilation. A blueprint to set directions for future research on all aspects of cancer epidemiology relevant to its management , prevention and control in Malaysia would be published.
It is certainly agreed that the conference should be sustained in the future.
 

14/05/2004

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NCR would like to thank the Honorable Minister of Health, the Secretary – General of Health, the Director – General of Health, the three Deputies Director – General of Health, in particular, the Deputy Director General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Dato’ Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, whose invaluable support was crucial to getting the NCR started, the Director of Clinical Research Centre, Ministry of Health, Dato’ Dr Zaki Morad Bin Mohd Zaher and staff of Clinical Research Centre, our source data producers, members of the various expert panels and all those who have in one way or another contributed towards making the Launching of 1st National Cancer Registry Report and 1st NCR Scientific Meeting a success.

Click here to view some pictures taken during the launching.

20/04/2004

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The Launching of the 1st National Cancer Registry Report and 1st NCR Scientific Meeting on 4th July 2003 at Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur by the Honorable Minister of Health, Dato Chua Jui Meng. The NCR could never materialize without the support of everyone involved in the care of patients with cancer. This meeting hopes to bring together everyone who has contributed data to the registry in one way or another. The 1st report is the result and culmination of all their efforts put together over the past one year.

The NCR wishes to express its appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Health whose initiative has led towards developing a fresh and innovative approach to the National Cancer Registry. The support given by the Director General of Health, all the Deputies Director Generals and their divisions, participating centers from the Ministry of Health, universities, private sector, non-government organizations, expert panel members as well as industry and well-wishers.

Click here to view programme

30/06/2003

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The Expert Panel of the NCR met again at the Awana, Genting from 5 –7 June 2003 for the Annual Report Writing. Sixty members of the medical profession and allied health with expert knowledge attended the meeting.

Objectives:

1. To undertake final Quality Assurance review of NCR data

2. To review and interpret the results (Tables and Graphs) generated by NCR statistician.

3. On the basis of (2), write the relevant section of the NCR report

4. To suggest further analysis or further data collection to address other questions of interest that may arise

The First Report of the National Cancer Registry covers the period from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2002. The participants were briefed on the organization of the registry, methods employed in data collection, data quality and data interpretation.

The Panel members write on the selected cancer sites for the report 2002.

Click here to download the presentation slides.

Click here to view some pictures taken during the meeting.

30/06/2003

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The National Cancer Registry in collaboration with the Clinical Research Centre had organized a workshop from 2-4 January, 2003 at Awana, Genting for Reviewing and Coding of NCR Data.

It was well attended by persons with specialist knowledge and expertise on cancers. The role of the expert is:

1. To undertake Quality Control of the reported data

2. To classify the reported tumour according to its behavior (benign, uncertain, precursor and malignant), site, histology and diagnostic basis (clinical, morphology, histology)

3. To undertake literature review in the relevant area

4. To interpret the results generated by NCR's statistician

5. To write the section of the NCR report relevant to his or her expertise

28/02/2003

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Pathology Reporting System was distributed to the interested Source Data Producers as promised earlier. This is a typical laboratory system which incorporates additional functionality to generate data return to the National Cancer Registry.

Click here to view a brief presentation about the Pathology Reporting System.

15/12/2002

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Dr David Roder, WHO Consultant and Head of South Australia Cancer Registry, visited the National Cancer Registray on 29th August, 2002.

The NCR team had an interesting question and answer session with Dr Roder. It is indeed a great privilege to have Dr Roder to share his vast experience in cancer registry with us.

28/10/2002

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A Chinese proverb goes this way:

For every accomplishment the beginning is always the hardest.

The National Cancer Registry was privileged to be given an opportunity to introduce the recently established NCR at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. The briefing was attended by consultants from oncology, pathology and haematology departments, the management of the SJMC and staff of the supporting units for the collection of data.

It was a fruitful meeting with additional primary source data providers added to the list.

The SJMC management had graciously consented to render their support and cooperation to assist in the nation-wide implementation of cancer registration.

17/7/2002

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Many know Penang as the Pearl of the Orient but few outside of the medical circles can tell you that it is also the abode of the best run of all the regional cancer registries. The National Cancer Registry (NCR) team acknowledges the good work done by the Penang Cancer Registry and we literally coddled them like a pearl in the palm of our hands when discussions began to define the roles each shall play in the cancer registry arena of the future. The venue for the meeting was at the Office of the State Health Director of Penang on the 37th floor in KOMTAR.

The talks yielded no surprises and each accepted the outcome after tough decisions were made. The face-to-face frank discussions amicably settled a mosaic of unanswered questions and a spirit of optimism prevailed when we parted.

The NCR is a great example of how a practical Clinical Research Centre (CRC) management concept grounded in solid research grows in usefulness. History will judge this new innovative requirement of only '7 data items' for cancer reporting to be one of the most important moves of a successful strategy that is able to bridge the chasm between concept and easy, practical implementation. The method of operation of the NCR is similar to all successful ventures with the common denominator of 'solid plans' that are Concrete, Practical, and Measurable. However, we need the support and input of all our Source Data Producers (SDPs) who have signed up with us before we can complete our agenda. Without their data there will be no NCR.

1/7/2002

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An illuminating way of investigating how others are accepting the National Cancer Registry (NCR) is to visit them.

The latest ‘illustrious name’ to be added to the growing long list of those who are 100% behind the NCR is the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital. We now know we can expect full cooperation from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital after receiving an overwhelming welcome when the NCR team went there to hold a presentation on 5 June 2002. The session, which was attended by their Pathologists, Haematologists and Oncologist was a very active one where questions and answers flew back and forth from them to the NCR team. We trod on common ground, found solutions to the questions put forward and there were some issues where we happily agree to disagree. The NCR regarded this as an enjoyable and often potent way of making contact with our Source Data Producers (SDPs).

We gratefully acknowledge the role of Professor Dr. Sharifah Noor Akmal Syed Husin, the Head of the Pathology Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital who graciously consented to be the chairperson. Finally, the entire NCR team wishes to extend their thank you to those who gave us words of encouragement before the team departed.

5/6/2002

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The NCR team was there to present their programme to the country's crème de la crème of healthcare services - the sepulcher of Malaysian Healthcare, THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH. The united NCR team solidly backed their chairman Dr. Gerald Lim when he made the opening statement and proceeded to give a briefing about the NCR in the august presence of Y. Bhg Datu Dr. Mohamad Taha Arif, the Director General of Health Malaysia. Hot on the tails of his presentation, the co-chairman, Dr. Halimah Yahaya gave an overview of the work and the progress of the project. This entire episode was especially treasured because it gives the NCR the recognition and the "happening" touch to add grandeur to all we had worked so hard for and achieved so far.

In one of the most unprecedented developments in the cancer registry arena, the NCR abruptly emerged to lead all existing registries in the country. Yet, Malaysians know very little about the NCR beyond it’s famous name and it’s home in the Clinical Research Unit (CRC), Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

The NCR has embarked upon a far-reaching programme of strategic change, one of the most ambitious undertaken in such a short time by any registry of this magnitude. The NCR is here, please support her and we in turn have a duty to maintain the high standards we have started out with.

30/4/2002

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Well, you'll be surprised to know that since you last checked, the National Cancer Registry (NCR) has again blossomed and added a few more multi-coloured feathers to it's cap. We at NCR, see it as a reflection of the certain success of the project.

One local homegrown registry with a different approach, imbued with goals that had moving targets and a brand new attitude can make a lot of difference.

Of course, Clinical Research Centre(CRC)-class efficiently and grand network connectivity also helped.

On the afternoon of 29 April 2002, twenty selected Malaysians from the Public/Private/Non Government Services gathered for the very first Advisory Committee Meeting at the Avicenna Seminar Room in Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Their shared interest is the motivating factor in fusing together as an effective group, a collection of variously talented individuals, who have a common passion to make a difference to society by charting the future course the NCR will take. (Please see the column in the website to locate the names of the NCR's Advisory Committee members) Every section of the currently available local healthcare service with connections to cancer work was represented at this meeting. The committee unanimously concurred on an important decision that the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) is to be officially designated as the collaborating unit for the NCR. A Governance Manual to serve as an instrument to run the NCR, was drawn up and speedily set into place after the Advisory Committee had debated on it before endorsing it unanimously.

That the NCR is here today, is also largely due to the tenacious effort of a core group of senior Government officers. Each member is a famous name in their respective chosen fields and they came together armed with nothing more than their skills to search for and find the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. They went on to realise what had until then been only a dream and in Malaysian Oncology circles and in the process they became the founding members of the NCR.

For a registry to survive and stand the test of time it must have a well-planned database. This is it's 'backbone' and it's conceptualisation had to take into consideration current and future needs. With deep pride we announce that the database for the NCR was made in Malaysia for Malaysians by Malaysians. The designers had to venture into uncharted waters to produce in record time, a database that is both user friendly and multifaceted to meet our diverse requirements. It was a mammoth task considering the massive amount of incoming data that had to be housed. (Larger than any that had been undertaken so far.) It also had to be flexible to cater for future expansion besides being able to have a broad coverage to capture all the salient information to make the data meaningful for future analysts when the collection matures. The data had to be 'protected' in terms of confidentially and there must be an effective security system in force at all times to preserve it for posterity. The well-planned and fully equipped CRC was able to meet both these stringent conditions fully.

The NCR would like to take this opportunity to thank the scores of cancer healthcare providers who answered our call for help by signing up with us as participants. (Please search for your names in the participant’s column and feel a sense of pride that you had volunteered.) They came from far and near places, and all these participants spanned the entire spectrum of cancer work. To all of you we welcome you warmly and look forward to seeing your data coming in monthly.

To our friends out there in the private sector (all cancer healthcare workers in MOH are with us) if you do fall into any of the following groups:

1. Pathologists

2. Oncologists (Adult / Paediatric)

3. Heamatologists

4. Palliative care facility providers

Please join us now. We at the NCR do not promise you any “freebies”. However, we can promise you that you will feel good if you should hear the NCR name mentioned 10 years down the road from now because you can then pride yourself that you had been there to make a difference with the cancer data that you had sent in.

29/4/2002

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Today, the National Cancer Registry (NCR) is just over 4 months old and definitely young by registry standards. But don't let age fool you, for it is an ambitious national project with noble objectives that will be responsible for gathering data on cancer cases throughout Malaysia. The distinction of being the first participant to sign up on board belongs to Dr Hisham Shah Mohd Ibrahim, a paediatric oncologist from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. The very first set of cancer data to start off the NCR's archives traveled all the way from the Oncology Department, Hospital Umum Sarawak. Kudos to the dedicated Oncology team leaders at Hospital Umum Sarawak. At this point in time, participants are still signing up and the NCR remains buoyant that every Malaysian cancer health provider will be for us and with us.

28/3/2002

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On 22 March 2002 the National Cancer Registry (NCR) team visited the Sabah Cancer Registry. The saying that "too many skippers take a boat up the mountain" did not prove to be true in this instance because every item in the agenda that was discussed sailed through calm waters. The final outcome was that both registries would link hands and work towards a common goal without one derailing the other.

23/3/2002

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On 9 March 2002, the Clinical Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital took a concrete step toward realising the vision of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia to establish a National Cancer Registry (NCR) by sending out 348 invitations (more are in the pipeline) to enlist all cancer healthcare providers to participate as Source Data Producers (SDP). We are aware that many of these individuals (e.g. Oncologists, Surgeons, Physicians) will group under a single banner (e.g. Centre / Hospital / Institution) to collectively give us data on cancer patients countrywide. Some of these potential Source Data Producers when contacted have remarked that the exercise is indeed timely and that we can count them in. With encouraging  remarks like these can we dare hope that we will be able to net in more SDPs than we had envisaged?

18/3/2002

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On the 14 March 2002, the National Cancer Registry (NCR) team paid a visit to the Sarawak Cancer Registry (SCR) in Kuching, Sarawak. The State Director of Medical and Health Services of Sarawak headed the SCR team and after a fruitful discussion where views were openly exchanged, the decision to "move forward" in the spirit of mutual cooperation was given the green light between the 2 registries.

18/3/2002

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The National Cancer Registry (NCR) was there to promote their activities when they were allocated a free desk space at the 4th Malaysian National Haematology Scientific Meeting held at Shangri-La Hotel in Penang on 15 March 2002. The participants being mainly Pathologists / Haematologists from the private/public sectors were important Source Data Producers to our programme.

18/3/2002

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In December last year, the Minister of Health, Dato' Chua Jui Meng, directed the CRC to establish a National Cancer Registry (NCR).

Much preparatory activities are now ongoing to get the NCR up and going.

CRC will establish a Cancer Registry Unit (CRU) to operate the NCR.

1/3/2002

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At the recent Ministry of Health Committee Meeting for Pathology Services on 18 February 2002 the NCR programme was presented by Dr. Lim Teck Onn, the head of the Clinical Research Unit to a core group of the country’s leading pathologists representing every state in Malaysia. All present were pleased at the simple and easy methods they could select to transmit data to the NCR. The response was very positive and an enthusiastic question and answer session ensued. The final tally was a 100 % active participation in the programme.

1/3/2002