Breast cancer remains one of the most treatable cancers when detected early — yet too many Malaysian women are still diagnosed late. This Pink October, Damansara Specialist Hospital (DSH) shines a light on the urgent need for early screening and celebrates a new milestone in cancer care with the launch of its upgraded Oncology Day Care Unit, officiated by DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Hajah Norashikin.
WORDS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR AMINUDIN RAHMAN MOHD MYDIN
 FEATURED EXPERTASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR AMINUDIN RAHMAN MOHD MYDIN Consultant Clinical Oncologist KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital |
Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers today, but many Malaysian women are still being diagnosed late.
- More young women, including those under 50, are presenting with advanced stages of the disease — often when treatment becomes more complex, costly, and life-altering.
- According to data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, over half (50.5%) of Malaysian women with breast cancer are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4.
- A University Putra Malaysia (UPM) study also found that about 13.6% of cases occur before the age of 40, a higher proportion than in the United States.
Awareness campaigns have made great strides, but awareness must lead to action — through regular screening and timely medical attention.
YOUNGER WOMEN FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES
While breast cancer most often affects women over 50, it is increasingly being seen in younger women balancing their careers, families, and, in some cases, pregnancy.
Treatments can impact fertility, heart health, and bone density, making it vital for patients to receive multidisciplinary care and early referrals to reproductive specialists.
PRECISION MEDICINE IMPROVES SURVIVAL
With advances in molecular and genomic research, breast cancer treatment has become more targeted and effective.
- Depending on the cancer subtype — hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative — patients can now benefit from precision medicine, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- New radiotherapy techniques such as peep inspiratory breath hold (DIBH) and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) further improve outcomes while reducing side effects.
- Modern imaging tools like 3D mammograms and breast MRI can even detect Stage 0 cancers (ductal carcinoma in situ) that are curable with surgery and radiotherapy alone.
Deep inspiratory breath hold (DIBH) is a special breathing technique used during breast cancer radiotherapy.
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- All Malaysian women aged 40 to 75 are encouraged to undergo regular mammograms every 2–3 years, regardless of family history or socioeconomic background.
- Accessible, affordable, and convenient screening remains key to improving survival rates.
DSH OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN COMMITTING TO CANCER CARE
In conjunction with Pink October 2025, Damansara Specialist Hospital (DSH) reaffirmed its dedication to early detection and comprehensive treatment by unveiling its newly upgraded Oncology Day Care Unit (ODCU).
The launch was officiated by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Hajah Norashikin on 1 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing cancer care within the community.
The event was also graced by:
- Yang Berusaha Tuan Haji Mohamad Zahri Haji Samingon, Datuk Bandar Petaling Jaya
- Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare
- Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Azizi Haji Omar, board member of KPJ Healthcare as well as consultant paediatrician and paediatric respiratory physician at DSH
In the spirit of giving, contributions were also made to Persatuan Kanser KanWork (KanWork), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) — three NGOs dedicated to supporting cancer patients and advocacy.
DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, who serves as the Royal Patron of KanWork, personally presented fruit baskets to cancer patients and engaged warmly with them during her visit.
| This article is part of our series on cancer as well as symptoms, detection, and treatment options. |
