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CERVICAL and breast cancer continue to claim the lives of Malaysian women as “silent killers”, with most patients still being diagnosed only at advanced stages when treatment is far more difficult and chances of recovery drastically reduced.
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim described the situation as deeply worrying, stressing that both diseases are preventable or treatable when detected early.
“Health is not just a statistic on paper; it forms the heartbeat of a happy household, the economic strength of a family, and the foundation of a stable society.
If women are healthy, our families are stronger and our children’s futures more secure,” he said after the Women’s Voices, Women’s Choices: Cervical and Breast Cancer Awareness Programme at Kampung Api-Api on Monday.
Irmohizam noted that many women remain reluctant to undergo cancer screening due to a lack of information, embarrassment, time constraints, or the false belief that they are not at risk if they have no family history.
He cited the Malaysia National Cancer Registry (MNCR) Report 2017–2021, which found that 65.1 per cent of cancer cases nationwide were detected late. In addition, Malaysia recorded 15,200 new cases in 2022, making cancer the country’s third leading cause of death.
“For women, breast cancer remains the most common form of the disease, accounting for 38.9 per cent of all female cancer cases. More worryingly, around 50.5 per cent are detected only at stages three and four,” he said.
He added that while cervical cancer incidence has declined to 6.0 per 100,000 women, the disease persists, and many patients are still diagnosed only once the cancer has advanced.
He warned that modern lifestyles, mounting pressures and the rise of non-communicable diseases have resulted in many women neglecting their own health in favour of caring for their families.
Metro Women’s Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology specialist Dr Magendra Ramalingam said the outreach programme is intended not merely as a health briefing but as part of a broader movement to underline the life-saving importance of early screening. “
“We emphasise Pap smears, HPV testing, breast examinations and regular clinical check-ups. This programme is not only about education; it is about inspiring individuals and families to prioritise their health, particularly by taking up Pap smear screening at only RM50,” he said. - December 2, 2025