In conjunction with World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4 February, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to combating cancer through a Whole-of-Society Approach, placing strong emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and inclusive care.
The Ministry announced a national strategy focused on strategic partnerships involving the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support.
This year’s World Cancer Day observance highlights cancer as more than a medical diagnosis, recognising it as a complex challenge that requires comprehensive physical, emotional and social support.
According to data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR), a total of 290,430 cancer cases were reported between 2017 and 2024. The five most commonly reported cancers in Malaysia are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma and liver cancer.
Meanwhile, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that cancer was the third leading cause of death in the country in 2024, accounting for 14.3% of total deaths, up from 13.8% in 2023.
To address the growing cancer burden, the Ministry of Health will focus on four key initiatives centred on prevention, health promotion, advocacy and screening to enable early detection and timely treatment.
The first initiative is the launch of the Wira Kanser Programme, a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and private sector partners. The programme aims to improve access to cancer prevention, screening and treatment services, particularly for B40 communities and rural populations, covering six major cancer types — lung, breast, colorectal, cervical, genitourinary and childhood cancers.
Secondly, the Ministry has formalised strategic collaborations with 13 NGOs to strengthen efforts in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, as well as communicable diseases. These partnerships aim to streamline prevention activities, disease control initiatives and the delivery of integrated support services for patients.
The third initiative involves the implementation of the “Mai Kurang Gula, Garam dan Kalori” Campaign, which targets health transformation in the workplace by promoting healthier food environments. The campaign includes nutrition education, the introduction of healthier cafeteria menus and efforts to reduce calorie intake among employees.
RHB Banking Group has come on board as the first corporate partner to pioneer the initiative, which will be expanded to 150 companies nationwide through the 50 Million Calories Challenge, aimed at encouraging calorie reduction in workplaces. The campaign is also supported by food industry partners offering lower-calorie, lower-sugar and lower-salt food options.
The fourth initiative is the rollout of the Cancer Nutrition Access Programme, designed to improve access to adequate and nutritious food for cancer patients as part of comprehensive cancer care.
Through the combined implementation of these initiatives, the Ministry emphasised that Malaysia is not only strengthening treatment pathways, but also fostering a culture of early prevention — from healthier food choices in workplace cafeterias to community-based cancer screening.
This integrated approach reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring that no Malaysian is left behind in the fight against cancer.
The Ministry of Health called on all Malaysians, the private sector, NGOs and community organisations to unite in supporting these initiatives towards building a healthier and more resilient nation.
