Malaysian Breast Cancer Summit unites 700 for better care

More than 700 patients, survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates, and industry leaders came together at the Malaysian Breast Cancer Summit 2025 (MBCS25) on August 9–10, uniting under the theme Stronger, Together to push for improved breast cancer care across the nation.

Held at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre and organised by TalkHealthAsia.com, the summit combined medical expertise with lived experiences to drive more equitable outcomes in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The programme featured four distinct tracks – from patient navigation to healthcare professional development – reflecting a whole-of-community approach to addressing Malaysia’s second most common cancer among women.

“Every one of us in this room is part of the solution for better breast cancer care in Malaysia. Whether you’re a nurse, a researcher, a policymaker, an industry leader, doctor, patient or caregiver, your role matters,” said Lim Po Lin, Founder and CEO of TalkHealthAsia.

Training the next generation of cancer specialists

Beyond upskilling over 100 consultants, TalkHealthAsia partnered with Pfizer to fund summit participation for more than 100 medical trainees from states including Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak – a move seen as vital in strengthening Malaysia’s breast cancer care capacity in underserved regions.

The CPD-accredited healthcare programme, endorsed by the Malaysian Medical Association Wilayah Persekutuan, the College of Surgeons Academy of Medicine Malaysia, and the Malaysian Oncological Society, was designed to sharpen both clinical expertise and holistic patient management skills.

Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Tunku Sara Tunku Ahmad Yahaya, a breast cancer survivor and Orthopaedic Surgeon, shared a deeply personal perspective in her keynote address.

“We are stronger together, and our journeys continue.” She reflected that without friends she had made in the United States during treatment all the way to those in Malaysia who supported her, it would have felt like losing an arm. “Friends are very important,” she said.

Women supporting women

The summit also fostered solidarity among survivors and advocates, hosting support groups such as the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia, Pink Unity, Breast Cancer Support Group Johor Bahru, BELove Cancer Society and Pink Light.

Dr Kiley Loh Wei-Jen, Breast Medical Oncologist and MBCS25 Partnerships and Advocacy Chair, stressed the urgent need to close care gaps.

“What pains me is seeing too many women miss out on the best care possible, simply because of their social circumstances. By empowering women with knowledge and peer support, we give them the tools to demand the treatment they deserve,” she said.

Findings from TalkHealthAsia’s nationwide Pink Study, which surveyed over 370 women, revealed gaps in communication, post-treatment care and access to newer treatments. The MBCS25 committee called for the urgent revision of Malaysia’s Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for breast cancer, last updated in 2019.

“It’s essential that the guidelines are updated regularly so patients can benefit from the most up-to-date treatment,” said Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng-Har, MBCS25 Principal Advisor.

Addressing cost, coverage and emotional support

While 68.4% of surveyed patients had private insurance, many still faced uncovered costs, delays, and claim rejections. Clinical Epidemiologist Professor Dr Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy noted that financial toxicity from cancer extends far beyond hospital bills, while Dr Mastura Md Yusof highlighted the need for insurance coverage to keep pace with advanced treatments such as oral targeted therapies.

Dr Muhammad Azrif bin Ahmad Annuar, Clinical Oncologist and MBCS25 Scientific Oncology Chair, emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary care, especially in addressing the emotional and practical challenges that follow treatment. Over 70% of respondents reported unmet psychosocial support needs.

“The numbers reflect what we see in the clinic every day. These aren’t just statistics. They’re daily realities for Malaysian women facing breast cancer,” Lim Po Lin said.

By uniting voices from policy, medical, industry and patient communities, MBCS25 has set a bold precedent for future breast care collaboration – proving that when every voice is heard, real change is within reach.