KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Public perceptions of cancer care in Malaysia show critical gaps across the pathway from screening and diagnosis through to treatment and survivorship, according to new research commissioned by Siemens Healthineers.
“Bridging the Gaps: Public Perceptions of the Cancer Care Continuum in Southeast Asia”, a survey conducted by YouGov of more than 6,000 people across six Southeast Asian countries, shows widespread belief in the importance of early detection.
However, it exposes poor screening rates, gaps in access, and limited understanding of treatment options and post-treatment care. The survey points to optimism around more coordinated care and the role of digital innovation.
“This survey underlines the importance of understanding the full cancer journey, not just the beginning and the end,” said Fabrice Leguet, Managing Director and President, Southeast Asia, Siemens Healthineers.
“How people approach screening, navigate treatment choices, and think about life after treatment are all critical to improving outcomes.”
Awareness Is High, But Action Is Low
While a strong majority (79 per cent) believe early detection improves treatment outcomes, only 25 per cent of respondents in Malaysia had ever undergone cancer screening.
However, among the 25 per cent, just 7 per cent had taken specific cancer screening tests. When asked about reasons for not undergoing cancer screening, almost one-third of respondents (32 per cent) said they “do not feel a need” for it, a sentiment echoed across the rest of the region.
Others cited fear of being diagnosed with cancer (23 per cent) and the cost of screening being too expensive (22 per cent).
Risk perception is also lower than other countries with 24 per cent of respondents thinking they are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, the second-lowest level in the region, just above the Philippines.
Treatment Awareness And Access: Knowledge Of Modern Therapies Lags
Most people recognise traditional therapies like chemotherapy (67 per cent), surgery (46 per cent), and radiotherapy (43 per cent). Far fewer are familiar with newer therapies such as image-guided approaches (15 per cent), precision therapy (14 per cent), and immunotherapy (9 per cent). These levels are in line with awareness across other Southeast Asian markets.
Many view treatment as accessible (53 per cent) but unaffordable (55 per cent), and concerns about side effects are also high (56 per cent). These views are broadly consistent with concerns across Southeast Asia.
In Singapore, two in three people (67 per cent) cite treatment costs as a major barrier–the highest in the region–followed by 62 per cent in the Philippines.
Survivorship: Post-Treatment Care Poorly Understood
The story does not end with treatment. The majority of respondents (82 per cent) know that post-treatment cancer care exists, but more than half of those (55 per cent) do not understand what it involves.
As in many neighbouring countries, people in Malaysia expect their health care systems to provide easy access to diagnostic tests (65 per cent), regular follow-up after treatment (69 per cent), and clear guidance on signs and symptoms of recurrence (61 per cent).
Signs Of Optimism: Confidence In ‘One-Stop’ Cancer Care Services And Openness To Digital Innovation
The findings are not without optimism. Almost half (45 per cent) said they would feel more confident in the care journey if cancer services were delivered through a ‘one-stop’ model, the third-highest confidence levels in the region after Singapore (58 per cent) and Thailand (57 per cent).
The findings reflect a strong expectation that more integrated care could improve the patient experience.
Digital innovation is also viewed as an opportunity to strengthen cancer care. Many are open to the use of artificial intelligence (46 per cent) and see it as promising (39 per cent), provided it is transparent, clinician-led, and supported by strong data privacy safeguards.
Malaysia ranks second in the region for openness to the use of AI. Importantly, people want digital tools to complement, not replace, health care professionals (53 per cent).
Siemens Healthineers: Committed To Closing The Gaps
This survey reflects Siemens Healthineers’ commitment to pioneering breakthroughs in health care not only through technology, but by building understanding and confidence across the cancer care continuum.
The research highlights challenges, but also clear opportunities to improve patient pathways: more coordinated care, affordable access, and digital tools that are grounded in transparency and human interaction.
“We are determined to help bridge the gaps highlighted by enabling earlier and more accurate detection, supporting clinicians with digital innovation and advancing precision treatments and long-term care.
“By aligning technological innovation with clinical knowledge and health care consulting expertise, Siemens Healthineers seeks to deliver real impact for millions of patients across Southeast Asia,” said Leguet.
