The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy and The Cancer Care Working Group hosted a closed door briefing for members of parliamentarians and state legislators on the issue of surviving cancer in Malaysia.

Organised as a response to increased public concern and awareness of cancer, particularly with the demise of several parliamentarians and assemblymen due to the disease over the past couple of years, this briefing was intended to provide support to strategic and vital decision makers. It is also intended to strengthen understanding of the disease and of the policy reforms needed to increase survivability of those living with cancer.

According to the Ministry of Health, cancer is the third most common cause of death in Malaysia. Despite international advances in cancer treatment, many drug therapies remain limited or inaccessible to Malaysian patients due to issues of availability and affordability. With early detection and improvements in existing treatment access and coverage, surviving cancer is actually a real possibility. How do we connect those in need with the best possible treatment available?

We can ensure access to quality cancer treatment and care for patients in Malaysia. It can be done.