KUALA LUMPUR: Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, with about 40,000 new cases recorded annually, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said this situation underscores mounting pressure on the country’s healthcare system and workforce capacity.
He said the nation must confront the reality of an increasingly complex cancer burden, stressing that healthcare professionals, particularly oncologists, are central to sustaining an effective national response.
“We must be candid about the landscape we are facing.
“Cancer remains the third highest cause of death in Malaysia, with approximately 40,000 new cases reported each year.
“To meet this challenge, our workforce is our greatest asset,” he said when officiating the “Women in Oncology Forum: Giving Value, Gaining Impact” yesterday.
Malaysia currently has about 84 oncologists nationwide, a 60% increase since 2019, but the number is still insufficient to meet rising and increasingly complex care demands, he added.
Dzulkefly said his ministry remains committed to a “whole-of-society” approach, as government efforts alone are not enough to address such multifaceted healthcare challenges.
He cited the “Cancer Care Closer to Community” initiative as a key example of efforts to decentralise cancer care and improve access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas.
Beyond capacity challenges, Dzulkefly also highlighted the added pressures faced by women oncologists.
“For many women in this field, these professional demands are often compounded by responsibilities beyond the workplace.
“Yet, you continue to show up with resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to your patients,” he said, in a Bernama report.
