PETALING JAYA: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Malaysia with one in 19 women at risk but the lack of real-time data on cases and mortality numbers has become a challenge in staging interventions, says the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).
“I think the number of new cancer cases are on the rise as well. Some of the numbers are showing an increase, especially for breast cancer. So our challenge is, of course, where we can get the statistics pertaining to mortality.
“We are lagging behind in that aspect,” he said in an interview.
The National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021 was the most recent source of updated statistics.
“We really need to get real-time data. That’s something we’re seriously lacking. This is part of our initiative for this year. We’re going to make sure that at least one of our targets is to get a real-time registry running,” he said.
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Dr Murallitharan said late diagnosis remains high, adding that this is something Malaysia has to improve on.
“Our diagnosis is poor. We really need to do something about it,” he added.
The goal, he said, is to bring down the number of breast cancer cases by 30% over the next five years.
He said the NCSM is putting together a national breast cancer task force.
As for the national breast cancer directory which will be launched next month, he said it was developed by the NCSM in partnership with the Health Ministry and supported by Novartis.
The directory aims to serve as a centralised information hub where patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals can easily access up-to-date resources tailored to their needs.
It also seeks to bridge current gaps in cancer care by facilitating timely access to evidence-based information, enhancing coordination, and supporting informed decision-making.
“With the directory, it will be easier for us to guide women to go to the right place (for treatment and screening) at the district level.
“I think this is the most detailed mapping we have done in this country,” he added.
Dr Murallitharan said patients will also be able to access information on Social Security Organisation and Peka B40 claims.
The National Cancer Registry stated that a total of 29,534 breast cancer cases were registered during the 2017-2021 period, accounting for 32.4% of all cancers among women.
It also revealed that 49.7% of cases were diagnosed during the late stages, namely Stage 3 and Stage 4.
