Paul Yeo

Senior Editor, Health at The Star (Malaysia)

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Articles

SAVING LIVES, ONE LIVER AT A TIME

4 weeks ago | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

LIVER cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Malaysia and also the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur consultant hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeon Dr Balraj Singh, approximately 2,300 cases were reported in 2022 alone. The data, sourced from Globocan – an online database maintained by the Global Cancer Observatory – tracks cancer incidence and mortality across 36 cancer types in 185 countries.
A heartbroken child

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

EVERY parent dreams of a happy, healthy child. But for some, an unexpected diagnosis like congenital heart disease (CHD) can bring a wave of emotions and questions. CHD is one of the most common birth conditions, affecting about one in 100 newborns worldwide. In Malaysia, it is estimated that around 3,000 to 5,000 babies are born with CHD each year. While the condition varies in severity, medical advancements have made it possible for children with CHD to live active, fulfilling lives.
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT: A THYROID’S TALE

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

THE thyroid gland is a butterfly- shaped gland located at the base of the neck, and it is one of the most important glands in the human body. Though small and seemingly insignificant, it secretes hormones that play a crucial role in regulating many body functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and energy levels. When something’s awry with the thyroid, it can lead to a range of health conditions that impact these functions.
CHECKING UP ON CANCER

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

ANNUAL medical check-ups are a health habit that many believe can detect early signs of various illnesses, including cancer. But are these check-ups enough to identify cancer in its early stages? According to consultant clinical oncologist Dr Tan Chih Kiang, with cancer being a complex group of diseases, assessing the effectiveness of regular check-ups as a cancer screening tool requires understanding what these exams entail and how they relate to cancer detection.
A VERY LOW BLOW

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

PENILE cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the skin and tissues of the penis. According to consultant urologist Dr Badrulhisham Bahadzor, the disease may present as changes in the skin of the penis, such as thickening, change in colour, or the appearance of a lump or ulcer. “We do not really know how common penile cancer among Malaysian men is,” he notes. Risk factors for penile cancerSeveral factors can increase a man’s risk of developing penile cancer.
BEYOND THE SCALPEL: ROBOTIC SURGERY INNOVATES FIBROIDS, ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT

Jan 18, 2025 | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

UTERINE fibroids and endometriosis are among the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women worldwide. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often misunderstood, leading to delayed diagnoses and insufficient treatment. However, advances in medical technology, especially robotic surgery, are offering new hope for effective management. Understanding uterine fibroids and endometriosisUterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that vary in size, number and location.
A JOURNEY OF COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

Nov 16, 2024 | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

“WILL I lose my breast?” “Am I going to need chemotherapy?” “What are my chances of survival?” According to Hospital Picaso consultant breast surgeon Dr Ng Char Hong, these are the three most commonly-asked questions by patients - in that order - when they’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Such questions largely reflect the fear and misconceptions about breast cancer that can prevent many women from seeking timely medical advice.
Silent threat to heart health

Apr 6, 2024 | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

THE heart is essentially a pump with four chambers and various “pipes” that connect it to all the organs and tissues in the body. Within the chambers of the heart are valves that serve as conduits through which blood flows through. One of these valves is called the aortic valve, which is responsible for regulating blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the rest of the body.
UMSC team effort to tackle CAD

Mar 30, 2024 | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

CORONARY artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, and worldwide. The disease requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach for effective management. In this pursuit, a multidisciplinary strategy involving the expertise of cardiologists and radiologists is essential. Together, these professionals contribute to the holistic care of individuals grappling with CAD.
Listen to your heart

Oct 14, 2023 | thestar.com.my | Paul Yeo

COVID-19 ravaged humanity in a way that’s rarely seen in the history of mankind. Throughout the whole episode however, other diseases continued to exact a toll on human lives – upstaged, but not outdone by the pandemic. One such group of disorders is cardiovascular (heart) disease, which still remains the leading cause of death worldwide.