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CANCER remains the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, with treatment expenses for each patient reaching as high as RM50,000 per year, according to health experts. The alarming rise in new cancer cases has prompted calls for greater public awareness and proactive health measures.
President of the Malaysian Cancer Management Association Mohd Amin Ali Mohd Sidik revealed that over 50,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, highlighting a troubling upward trend.
“Most patients only seek treatment when the disease is detected at stages three and four, making successful intervention far more difficult,” he said.
Mohd Amin noted that breast cancer continues to top the list of diagnoses and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
He also stressed that the increase in cancer cases is influenced by persistently low public awareness regarding the risk factors associated with the disease.
“Based on records, only three out of ten respondents express interest in receiving cancer-related education,” he added.
“An annual figure of 50,000 new cases is deeply concerning. Research by the Cancer Care Association indicates that the primary drivers of rising cases are a lack of awareness and a general neglect of health while individuals are still well,” he explained.
Mohd Amin made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Fights Cancer Programme, urging Malaysians to adopt healthier lifestyles and to take advantage of early screening opportunities to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
He further pointed out that in addition to traditional risk factors, modern lifestyle choices, including poor diet, physical inactivity, and other unhealthy habits, are contributing to the growing cancer burden in the country.
“Members of the public are encouraged to be more vigilant about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to undergo early health checks to mitigate the risks associated with cancer,” he added. - December 20, 2025
