According to him, the figure was obtained from oral cancer screenings last year through the health ministry’s dental health programme.

He said although the percentage looked small, the public should not underestimate it.

Hajiji said out of 42,771 patients screened in Sabah in 2020, a total of 5,420 had habits that could cause oral cancer, including excessive tobacco, betel and alcohol use.

“Only about 50% of Malaysians are aware that alcohol consumption and chewing betel can increase their risk of getting oral cancer.

“Therefore, it is important to conduct early examinations at dental clinics if there are any signs or symptoms,” he said when officiating the Sabah state-level Oral Cancer Awareness Week 2021.

Hajiji also said a study conducted among Malaysians found that the habit of chewing betel could increase the risk of oral cancer by six times compared to someone who did not, while those who indulged in all the three high-risk habits increase their risk of oral cancer by 22 times.

“Unfortunately, the awareness regarding these risky habits is low,” he said.

He also said that most oral cancer cases in Malaysia were detected at very late stages, with 60% of them detected at the advanced stages 3 and 4.

This year’s Oral Cancer Awareness Week will be held nationwide for a week from Nov 7.