National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Lions Clubs International District 308B1 have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand access to cancer screening and awareness programmes nationwide.
The collaboration will see both organisations launch the “Know Early, Act Early” campaign, which aims to reach 20,000 people within a year.
“According to the Health Ministry, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Malaysia, with an estimated one in 10 Malaysians at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime,” NCSM said in a statement.
NCSM said a significant proportion of cancer cases in Malaysia were diagnosed at late stages, namely stages 3 and 4, when treatment was more complex and costly, with lower survival rates.
Under the collaboration, both organisations will work to expand community-based cancer screening services, particularly for underserved and high-risk groups.
The campaign will also promote early detection, health education, anti-smoking campaigns and awareness of NCSM’s LungShield initiative through complimentary community cancer screening programmes at targeted locations.
NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said early detection remained one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer mortality.
“When cancers such as breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer are identified early, patients have a far higher chance of successful treatment and recovery.
“However, barriers such as cost, accessibility and lack of awareness continue to prevent many Malaysians from seeking screening.
“Through this partnership, these barriers will be addressed directly, bringing screening services closer to the communities that need them most,” she said.
Lions Clubs International District 308B1 governor Sek Jin Han said the government, corporate sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should work together to address the needs of underprivileged groups.
“The government, corporate sector and NGOs should come together to address the growing need for financial assistance, affordable medical supplies and caregiving resources for the underprivileged group,” he said.
Beyond screening, the collaboration will focus on education and behavioural change.
This includes community health talks, cancer awareness programmes and structured anti-smoking campaigns in schools and universities where Lions Clubs International District 308B1 is active.
The organisations said smoking remained a leading risk factor for multiple cancers, particularly lung cancer, adding that youth-targeted anti-smoking efforts were aimed at reducing long-term cancer risks and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
Lions Clubs International District 308B1 has also been appointed ambassador of NCSM’s LungShield initiative.
The initiative aimed to promote early detection of lung cancer by increasing public understanding of risk factors, symptoms and the importance of screening for high-risk individuals.
NCSM said the MOU was the first phase of a longer-term collaboration, with additional initiatives to be announced later.
Also present during the ceremony was Lions Clubs International District 308B1 cancer awareness and childhood cancer district chairman Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong and NCSM managing director Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy.
