KUCHING, Oct 7 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah advised every woman to go for screening to detect early symptoms of breast cancer.
She said the message is simple that they do not be afraid to get screened.
"Do not wait for severe symptoms to appear. And do not delay seeking treatment," she said at the launch of the breast awareness programme organised by the Sarawak General Hospital.
Fatimah said breast cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing women in Malaysia.
Quoting the Roadmap Towards Downstaging of Breast Cancer in Malaysia 2025–2035 published by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH), Fatimah said breast cancer accounts for 17.6% of all cancer cases in the country.
"Even more concerning is that 50.5% of breast cancer cases are detected at a late stage—specifically Stages III and IV, based on MoH data. This figure should serve as a wake-up call for us all," she said.
She added behind every statistic lies a woman — a mother, a wife, a daughter, or a sister, and behind every patient is a family that shares the impact, anxieties, hopes, and struggle in facing the challenges ahead.
Fatimah commended MoH’s efforts through the Roadmap Towards Downstaging of Breast Cancer 2025–2035, which emphasises early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and patient support.
"The targets set include ensuring that at least 60% of invasive breast cancer cases are detected at an early stage, diagnosis is achieved within 60 days, and at least 80% of patients receive complete multimodality treatment.
"These are not merely healthcare system targets; they are goals aimed at saving the lives of more Malaysian women," she said, adding that in Sarawak, the message must reach all women, not only those in urban areas but also women in rural and remote regions.
"We do not want location, distance, or fear to become barriers to accessing screening and treatment," she stressed.
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