The National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and Sunway University launched the second National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM 2025) from 20-22 June at the Sunway University campus, introducing three new summits namely Cancer Financing Summit, Patient Advocacy Summit, and Women’s Cancer Summit.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad opened the congress, and in his address, emphasized the urgent need for Malaysia’s new Liver Health Strategy, which targets the country’s fifth most common cancer. The initiative will focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) detection and prevention.
The Minister reported success for Malaysia’s year-old Lung Health Initiative, which uses artificial intelligence for early detection and now operates across Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan, and Sabah.
In his keynote address, Dr. Dzulkefly elaborated, “Last year we shared Malaysia’s commitment to embark on the Lung Health Initiative. Today, what began as a bold vision has become a success. At the recent 78th World Health Assembly, Malaysia led the way on the global stage with the adoption of the Promoting and Prioritising An Integrated Lung Health Approach, a historic moment where we emerged as a global champion, supported by 15 other Member States.”
This initiative, showcased in a video, represents a multifaceted national effort, combining health promotion, community screening with AI-powered chest X-rays, treatment, and supportive care, also highlighting Malaysia’s global contribution with the Lung Health Resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly and signaling a broader focus on liver diseases and obesity.
Carrying forward the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives”, NCCM 2025 targets regional cancer challenges, hosting participants from various regions, including Europe and the Middle East. The congress features sessions on cancer research, detection, screening, personalised medicine, and survivor care quality.
The Cancer Financing Summit on Day 1 brings together 150 stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and industry leaders, to develop sustainable financing strategies. Patient advocacy takes centre stage on Day 2, while women’s cancer issues anchor Day 3 discussions.
Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, NCSM Managing Director and NCCM 2025 Organising Committee Chairperson, said, “Following NCCM 2024’s success and NCSM’s experience in organising major cancer conferences, NCCM 2025 sharpens our focus on regional cancer needs while exploring case studies and strategies for patient-focused, sustainable cancer care, enabling participants to gain insight and shape equitable financing plans in Malaysia.”
In a move to strengthen partnerships and drive future advancements in cancer care, NCCM 2025 featured the exchange of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
NCSM formalised a collaboration with Biocon Biologics Limited to improve access to affordable, high-quality biosimilars for cancer and diabetes patients, combining scientific expertise with community outreach.
Additionally, NCSM signed an MoU with United-Imaging Healthcare to enhance access to advanced nuclear medicine and molecular imaging services nationwide, deploying state-of-the-art PET-CT technology with AI and mobile service platforms for high-precision cancer diagnostics in underserved communities.
NCCM 2025 targets Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific cancer challenges, hosting participants from these regions, as well as Europe and the Middle East. This year, the congress attracted over 1,000 participants, and throughout the three-day event, NCCM 2025 features themes like screening and diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Prominent speakers at NCCM 2025 include Dr. Kirsty Graham, Director of Capacity Building, Union for International Cancer Control; Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health; and Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative and Head of the WHO Country Office to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
