KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Public-listed healthcare company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), and its subsidiary, pathology services company Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Clinipath) today announced the availability of Dtect Colon+, the latest genetic screening test that examines key genes associated with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers affecting both adult men and women in Malaysia. As this disease develops to later stages, common symptoms may include altered bowel habits (41.7%), blood in stools (35.5%), abdominal pain (31.5%), weight loss (31.0%), anaemia (9.8%) and intestinal obstruction (9.3%). Unfortunately, the early stage of CRC is often not symptomatic which makes it a difficult disease to detect early.

In 2018, the Ministry of Health Malaysia published the MySCan study on cancer incidence and survival rates. From the study, CRC was found to be highest amongst Chinese, followed by Malays and Indians. The incidence rate was observed to increase with age, especially above 55 years. The mortality rate for males was 1.42 times higher than for females. Most importantly, the study found that early detection and treatment of CRC (at Stage 1) led to a 5-year relative survival rate of 79.3%.

Genetic screening can identify genetic predispositions to CRC. Positive results from Dtect Colon+ may identify a need for regular, pathology surveillance to catch the disease early when it is easiest to treat. Positive results may also be useful to encourage positive lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of CRC occurring.

MGRC and Clinipath continue to work together to make comprehensive pathology services, and the latest in genetic testing available to doctors with a view to improving the lives of patients in Malaysia and the region.

About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad

MGRC was a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, MGRC had developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients worldwide. Today, MGRC is focused on merging the latest in genetic testing with pathology to enable doctors to provide personalised healthcare for their patients.

About Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Clinipath is one of Malaysia’s largest independent pathology service providers with a nationwide network of 18 branches. It offers a complete range of fast, accurate and reliable pathology testing services. It has been ISO 15189 accredited since 2010. Clinipath is a wholly-owned subsidiary of public-listed MGRC. 

Source: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shawn Keng
Tel: +6014-9685808
Email: enquiries@mgrc.com.my
 
--BERNAMA