Breast cancer prevention and control programs in Malaysia

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Malaysian females, with significant lifetime risk.
• Incidence rates are highest among Chinese, followed by Indian and Malay women.
• A majority of breast cancer patients present at advanced stages (II-IV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, screening practices, and preventive programs for breast cancer in Malaysia.
• To highlight the challenges in late-stage presentation and the need for improved screening uptake.
• To inform policy development for breast cancer prevention in Malaysia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the National Cancer Registry and National Health Morbidity Survey.
• Review of existing breast cancer awareness campaigns and screening policies.
• Examination of government-led preventive programs and subsidies.

Main Results:

• Breast cancer incidence was 46.2 and 39.3 per 100,000 population in 2003 and 2006.
• Late-stage presentation is common, with only 15.45% diagnosed at Stage I.
• Screening prevalence in 2006: 70.35% by any method (BSE 57.1%, CBE 51.8%, mammogram 7.6%).

Conclusions:

• Current screening policies focus on clinical breast examination (CBE), with varying frequencies based on age.
• Government initiatives include mammogram subsidies and call-recall systems for screening.
• Further research is needed to increase screening uptake and address late-stage diagnosis in Malaysia.