In conjunction with National World Cancer Day 2026 campaign and its 60th Diamond Jubilee, the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and strategic partners, is strengthening its commitment to combat cancer through a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach.
The World Cancer Day theme “United by Unique” places cancer patients at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
In Malaysia, more than 290,000 cancer cases were recorded between 2017 and 2024, with cancer now ranking as the third leading cause of death in the country.
Key initiatives underway include the implementation of the Cancer Hero Programme, strategic collaborations with NGOs, healthy workplace nutrition campaigns, and the Cancer Nutrition Access Programme to provide more holistic support for cancer patients.
A significant milestone is the NCSM has also officially formed the Clinical Advisory Committee, established to provide professional guidance and strengthen NCSM services in line with current international medical standards.
The committee will support effective programme planning, foster closer engagement with stakeholders, and drive more inclusive, people-centred initiatives.
During the recent National World Cancer Day ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur on February 4, 2026, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad presented letters of appointment to the honorary advisors in recognition of their contributions.
The Clinical Advisory Committee will focus on providing professional and clinical guidance to ensure NCSM’s services remain aligned with the latest medical practices and cancer care standards. The committee will also evaluate health programmes and provide expert advice on cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
KPJ Healthcare and Damansara Specialist Hospital are also proud official partners of the NCSM, supporting NCSM’s activities in fighting cancer in the community. During the First Executive Forum of the World Cancer Day 2026 event sponsored by KPJ Healthcare, I emphasised the need for early detection of common cancers by screening tests apart from healthy lifestyle modifications.
The five most commonly reported cancers in Malaysia are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and liver cancer. Many cancer patients in Malaysia still present at the late stages of 3 and 4 where treatments are more costly, complicated and with poorer outcomes.
This will have a significant adverse impact on the patients’ quality of life and will also be a significant burden to the patient’s family and society. A recent study from Singapore revealed cancer becoming more prevalent amongst young adults under 40 years old especially colorectal cancers.
Another global World Health Organization (WHO) study revealed about 40 per cent of cancers can be prevented with modifiable risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, infections with Hepatitis B/C and HPV viruses and Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Therefore, screening for common cancers for early detection is also very important.
To address the unique cancer risks within the Malaysian population, specific screening protocols are recommended for colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancers. These guidelines differ slightly from general Western populations.
Core Screening Recommendations
| Cancer Type | Target Group | Recommended Test & Frequency |
| Colorectal | Adults aged 50–75 | Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT/FIT) annually or Colonoscopy every 10 years. |
| Breast | Women aged 50–74 | Mammography every 2 years. Women aged 40–49 should discuss screening with a doctor. |
| Cervical | Women aged 25–69 | Pap Smear every 3 years or HPV DNA test every 5 years (for those aged 30+). |
| Lung | High-risk adults (50–75) | Low-Dose CT (LDCT) annually for those with a significant smoking history (e.g., 20+ pack-years). |
Malaysian/Asian-Specific Considerations
- Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Asian women who have never smoked are at higher risk due to environmental factors like air pollution, second hand smoke and indoor cooking fumes. Recent consensus suggests considering low-dose CT scans for non-smokers with a family history of lung cancer.
- Gastric Cancer: High-incidence countries like Japan and South Korea offer population-wide screening via endoscopy or upper GI series starting at age 50.
- Liver Cancer (HCC): Periodic surveillance with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is recommended for individuals with chronic Hepatitis B or C.
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer: The most common head and neck cancer in Malaysia, affecting the Chinese, Malay and Orang Asli populations. Specific screening (EBV serology and regular examination by a Head and Neck Surgeon) may be recommended for high-risk individuals.
- Prostate Cancer: The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test remains the gold standard. Screening Intervals: Every 2–4 years recommended for men aged 50–69 with stable PSA levels.
Cancer is common but should not be a death sentence. Not all cancers can be prevented but most common cancers can be detected early and cured with modern treatment. Together we can fight cancer more effectively.
Assoc Prof Dr Aminudin Rahman Mohd Mydin is the head of oncology at Damansara Specialist Hospital. He is also the clinical adviser to the National Cancer Society Malaysia.
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