By Mahilahn Ramanesh
Why are most cancers in Brunei caught late? — A closer look at the challenges and solutions.
“Did you know 1 in 5 deaths in Brunei is caused by cancer?”
While the numbers speak loudly, the stories behind them often go unheard. At the National Cancer Congress Malaysia 2025, Datin Dr Noraslinah Hj Ramlee, Consultant Physician and Head of the Early Detection & Cancer Prevention Services (EDCPS) at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), Brunei, addressed the country’s rising cancer burden during her session titled: “Reducing the Cancer Burden in Brunei Darussalam – Our Journey.”
She noted that “70% of breast and colorectal cancers are detected at Stage 3 or 4, limiting treatment outcomes,” and emphasised that the growing number of cases reflects broader global trends, driven by lifestyle changes such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and rising obesity. But while challenges remain, Datin Dr Noraslinah also highlighted the progress Brunei has made, especially in the areas of vaccination, screening, and digital health innovation.
Among the country’s key milestones:
- 100% of infants receive the third dose of the hepatitis B vaccine
- 97% of girls in the target age group have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine
- In 2024, HPV self-sampling was introduced as the primary cervical cancer screening method
- Cervical screening coverage among women aged 30–49 has reached 32%
- Breast cancer screening, however, remains low at only 12%
To address these gaps and improve accessibility, Brunei has expanded its use of digital tools, most notably through BruHealth 5.0. Originally developed during the pandemic, the app now plays a central role in supporting national prevention efforts. Users can:
- Book appointments for cervical, breast, colorectal, and cardiovascular screenings
- Access medical records
- Monitor lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress
- Receive AI-generated wellness tips and participate in gamified health goals
According to Johari and Johari[1], the introduction of these new features follows Brunei’s National Cervical Cancer Guidelines and aims to support early detection by making screening services easier to access and more appealing. However, several challenges still stand in the way. Fear, stigma, and a lack of public awareness prevent many Bruneians from getting screened, while ongoing myths and misunderstandings about cancer make things worse. Access to specialised healthcare, especially cancer care, also remains limited.
As Datin Dr Noraslinah has noted, the overall cancer burden in Brunei is becoming more visible. Screening rates remain low, even when services are offered for free. Many cases are only detected at later stages, particularly in rural and lower-income communities. On top of that, a shortage of trained professionals in cancer care makes early diagnosis and treatment even more difficult.
To overcome these challenges, Brunei’s Ministry of Health is advocating for a whole-of-society approach, one that unites healthcare professionals, educators, digital platforms, and communities to make early detection a national priority.
Datin Dr Noraslinah left a clear message: the future of cancer care in Brunei depends not just on medicine, but on how soon we choose to act.
Reference:
- Johari N, Johari N. BrUHealth 5.0 Launches: Advances Digital Health for a Connected Brunei [Internet]. EVYD Technology. 2025. Available from: https://www.evydtech.com/bruhealth-5-0-launches-advances-digital-health-for-a-connected-brunei/
