National Cancer Society Malaysia

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) is expanding its Relay for Life Malaysia (RFL Malaysia) programme to Penang and Johor in 2025, reaching more communities with crucial cancer prevention messages. Already held in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Perak, the programme aims to educate the public about early cancer detection and healthier lifestyles. Launched by Professor Dr. Adinegara Lutfi Abas of Manipal University, the initiative underscores the rising cancer cases in Malaysia, with younger individuals now affected due to unhealthy habits. NCSM managing director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy emphasized that RFL Malaysia represents hope and resilience for those battling cancer. During the Melaka event, NCSM received a donation from Suria Harmony Resource to support its efforts. Together, we can promote awareness and inspire action for a healthier Malaysia. #rflmy #rfl2024 #NCSM

Did you know that less than half of Malaysians undergo yearly health screenings, as reported by the Ministry of Health? Furthermore, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealed that nearly half of Malaysian adults live with at least one non-communicable disease (NCD), with diabetes affecting one in five individuals. This is concerning, as diabetes can lead to serious complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney issues, and other health challenges. Take charge of your health by joining our health screening campaign on December 11 and 12. Book your appointment now by calling 010-236 7351! #NCSM #healthscreening #healthylifestyle #cancerfree

Optimising Cancer Patient Outcomes: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Supporting Treatment Dietitians play a critical role in cancer treatment by using Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to support patient health and improve treatment outcomes. MNT helps manage side effects such as nausea, dysphagia, and loss of appetite, which are common in chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This also addresses the risk of malnutrition. By recommending individualised energy, protein, and micronutrient needs, dietitians help maintain nutritional status, improving patients’ ability to tolerate treatment and enhancing their quality of life. Tailored nutrition plans, frequent monitoring, and consideration of cultural and personal food preferences are essential to MNT's success. Incorporating Oral Nutrition Supplements (ONS) can be particularly effective when oral intake is inadequate. With a multidisciplinary approach and continuous education, MNT empowers patients to better manage their symptoms and leads to improved treatment compliance and overall outcomes. Highlights of her plenary can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gp4_cz4n #NCCM2024 #BridgingGaps #BuildingHope #EmpoweringLives #NCSM #SunwayUniversity #ncdmalaysia #CancerNutrition  #MedicalNutritionTherapy

Lung Health Matters: World COPD Day 2024 On 20th November 2024, the Family Medicine Specialist Association (FMSA), in collaboration with AstraZeneca, celebrated World COPD Day 2024 at Ginger, Bamboo Hills, Kuala Lumpur. The event, officiated by YB Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni (Deputy Minister of Health), gathered experts, clinicians, and the public to raise awareness about COPD. In his address, YB Dato Lukanisman urged Malaysians to prioritise lung health by understanding COPD, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. A panel moderated by Dr Azza Omar, featuring Associate Professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Dr Sri Wahyu Taher, Dato Dr Zuki Mat Jaeb, and Prof Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, explored challenges in COPD awareness and screening. The panel highlighted non-smoking causes of COPD and emphasised that COPD is a preventable disorder. Preventive efforts start with acknowledging the condition and understanding its risk factors. The event also marked the launch of the COPD White Paper by YB Dato Lukanisman, which addressed challenges in COPD awareness, screening, diagnosis, and treatment options available to Malaysians. Let’s take action today—learn about the risk factors, prioritize early detection, and take steps to safeguard your lung health. Together, we can work towards a future with healthier lungs for all. #COPD #LungHealth #NCDPrevention #Malaysia #PublicHealth

Johor has the highest incidence of cancer in Malaysia, with 16,434 new cases reported between 2012 and 2016, most detected at late stages. The latest National Cancer Registry Report (2017-2021) reveals a troubling 65.3% of cancer cases nationwide are diagnosed at advanced stages 3 or 4, highlighting the urgency for better awareness, early detection, and healthcare access. In response, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and the Health Ministry have launched a transformative three-year plan to combat the rising cases in Johor. This initiative focuses on empowering communities with preventive tools, improving diagnostic services, and supporting families affected by cancer. At NCSM, we committed to serving the community and delivering exceptional support to those affected by cancer. #NCSM #cancer

Take advantage of our FREE Cancer and Health Screening event at six convenient locations: ▪ Volkswagen Alor Setar ▪ Volkswagen Juru ▪ Volkswagen Glenmarie ▪ Volkswagen Ipoh ▪ Volkswagen Puchong ▪ Volkswagen Seremban We’re offering the PERKESO SEHATi Health Screening programme (terms and conditions apply) and other essential health tests, all at no cost to you! Don’t miss out on this chance to prioritise your health. Check out the posters for more details. We look forward to seeing you there! #NCSM #HealthMatters #FreeHealthScreening #CommunitySupport

Empowering Women, Saving Lives 🎗 The Pink Etiqa roadshow offering free mammogram screenings concluded successfully in Kluang, Johor, after reaching six key locations nationwide, including Sabah, Terengganu, Perak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. In partnership with NCSM and Etiqa Insurance and Takaful, this remarkable initiative has provided life-saving screenings to over 6,000 women in need. Since its launch, Pink Etiqa has funded screenings for 27,500+ women, detecting 592 abnormalities and supporting 93 women with diagnoses. To schedule your screening, visit www.cancer.org.my or call 1-800-88-1000. #PinkEtiqa #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #MakingADifference

We still haven't moved on from the incredible energy at Relay For Life! Radiating love, support, and hope! 💕 This year’s Relay For Life Malaysia 2024 attracted over 3,000 participants gathered at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to celebrate life, honour loved ones, and fight cancer. The event was filled with fun activities, including a treasure hunt, a step challenge for cancer survivors, a relay race, and a thrilling fun run, attracting many from across Malaysia to participate and continue the fight against Cancer. The National Cancer Society of Malaysia was honoured to have DYMM Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Permaisuri Perak to grace the event and continue her support to raise awareness on the disease. Additionally, we would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our partners and sponsors for making this event a success. Together, we make a difference! #RFL2024 #RFLMY #CelebrateLife #RememberLovedOnes #FightCancer

Navigating Cancer Diagnosis Conversations: Best Practices and Pitfalls Clear and compassionate communication is as crucial as the treatment itself in cancer care, shaping patient trust and outcomes from the first diagnosis to follow-up. Healthcare providers face the critical task of conveying complex information clearly and empathetically. Our latest insights into cancer communication reveal that structured frameworks - focusing on patient understanding, emotional support, and engagement - are vital for positive outcomes. By following best practices, providers can turn challenging conversations into opportunities for building trust and guiding patients through their care with confidence and compassion. As cancer treatment options grow more complex, the need for specialised communication approaches that avoid jargon, anticipate emotional responses, and prioritise patient-centered dialogue becomes increasingly important. This focus on clear, supportive communication that empowers patients and strengthens the provider-patient relationship, ensuring they feel informed at every stage. By refining communication strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, we can improve patient experiences and, ultimately, improve treatment outcomes. Sunway University NCD Alliance Malaysia #NCCM2024 #BridgingGaps #BuildingHope #EmpoweringLives #NCSM #SunwayUniversity #ncdmalaysia #CancerCare #PatientCenteredCare #HealthcareCommunication Highlights of her plenary can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gFM2ZYha Written by: Nur Athirah Syazwani Mohd Hasri

Investing in NCD Prevention for a Healthier Malaysia On 14 November 2024, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad officially launched the report “Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment” at the Parliament’s Banquet Hall. This report, developed collaboratively by the Ministry Of Health, Malaysia (KKM), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs, highlights the substantial economic burden posed by four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases cost Malaysia RM64.2 billion annually, comprising RM12.4 billion in direct costs and RM51.8 billion in indirect costs. The findings demonstrate that prevention yields far greater returns on investment (ROI) than treatment. For every RM1 spent, salt reduction generates a return of RM60, while promoting physical activity and tobacco control yields RM6 and RM6.60, respectively. These findings reinforce the Health Minister’s call to shift from "sick care" to "health care." The event also included a briefing on other ongoing initiatives, including the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and the Lung Health Initiative Malaysia 2025–2030. This initiative adopts a whole-of-society and whole-of-nation approach, uniting efforts across the government, private sector, NGOs, and professional bodies to address respiratory related diseases. Other prominent attendees at the event included Deputy Health Minister YB Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Deputy Director-General of Health YBhg. Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, Deputy Director (NCD) Disease Control Division Dr Noraryana Hassan and members of Parliament. Let us unite in the fight against NCDs and work together to create a healthier future for Malaysia! #HealthForAll #NCDPrevention #Malaysia #PublicHealth Written by: Chan Wan Thung