KUCHING: A think-tank chief has called for the establishment of a National Breast Cancer Committee to systematically address gaps in the country’s current breast cancer care system.
When contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Saturday, chief executive officer (CEO) of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Malaysia Dr Tricia Yeoh said the proposed national committee will bring together various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MOWFC), private sectors and non-government organisations (NGO).
According to Yeoh, the survival rate of breast cancer patients in Malaysia is lower compared to most developed nations, with only 66.8 per cent surviving five years, as opposed to survival rates that range from 80 per cent to 90 per cent in other developed countries.
This indicates a clear lack of proper breast cancer management in Malaysia. The gaps in care can be seen throughout the patient journey, including access to early detection, prompt diagnosis, and optimal treatment.
“Despite efforts to promote breast cancer screening through public health initiatives, early detection rates have remained unchanged,” she said.
“While the uptake of clinical breast exams (CBEs) and mammograms increased from 52 per cent to 65 per cent and 8 per cent to 24 per cent, respectively, between 2006 and 2014, a large number of cases – 48 per cent – are still being diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III and Stage IV).”
Currently, breast cancer screening in Malaysia is based on opportunistic screening, with guidelines recommending biennial mammograms for women aged 50 to 74 and only recommending breast self-examination (BSE) for breast awareness. The government provides subsidies for mammograms through the MOWFC and state government programmes.
“It’s important to note that early detection through screening is just the first step,” she emphasised. “Prompt diagnostic follow-up is crucial for an effective screening programme.”
“The limited availability of specialist surgical expertise and radiotherapy treatment in public health facilities nationwide restricts access to best practice options for breast cancer surgery.
“With only 22 specialist surgeons and 9 oncology centres offering both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, mainly concentrated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, patients’ options for breast conserving surgery are limited.”
She went on to say that it is estimated that 88 per cent of excess deaths from breast cancer in Malaysia could have been prevented, with 57 per cent due to late-stage presentation and 43 per cent a result of limited access to optimal treatment.
Avoidable death due to breast cancer was based on estimated survival if all patients had access to the best available care in Malaysia.
On Friday (Feb 10) in Kuala Lumpur, IDEAS Malaysia’s policy paper titled “Breast Cancer Care in Malaysia: Access to Early Detection, Diagnosis and Optimal Treatment” was officially launched by Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The paper outlined the formation of the National Breast Cancer Committee as one of its key recommendations.
