But according to consultant clinical oncologist Dr Aqilah Othman, for many women in Malaysia, awareness has not translated into timely action.
The Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report revealed that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, accounting for 31.3% of all female cancer diagnoses that year and topping the list of cancer deaths among local women.
“Younger women are coming in more often, but many are still showing up late,” Aqilah said. “Some hope the lump will go away. Others delay out of fear, or because they think cancer is a death sentence.
“By the time they seek help, the cancer has been there for a long time.”
She highlighted the common misconception that screening is only necessary when symptoms appear. “That undermines the entire purpose of screening, which is meant to catch cancer while you feel healthy. If you already have symptoms, you’re no longer screening, you’re investigating,” she said.
Aqilah said early detection of breast cancer in the asymptomatic phase translates to much higher cure and survival rates. “Catch it early and treatment might only be surgery. If delayed, treatment will involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy,” she explained.
“By then, it would be more difficult, costly, and emotionally taxing because once cancer reaches the lymph nodes or other distant organs, it needs aggressive, multimodal treatment.”
Yet, Aqilah added, screening uptake remains low due to time, cost, stigma and misinformation. To help reduce these barriers, she shared that there are government initiatives and NGOs that offer women fully subsidised mammograms.
“Private hospitals also offer same-day walk-in screenings. No referral is needed. Just ask for a breast screening and you’ll be guided from there,” she said, noting that accessible screening not only encourages timely diagnosis but also eases what is often an anxious process.
At the same time, Aqilah debunked the myths about mammograms and biopsies. “Mammograms do not cause cancer; the radiation dose is relatively low. Biopsies do not cause cancer to spread, either. They’re essential to confirm a diagnosis and how best to manage it.”
She also dispelled the myth that cancer patients cannot live a full life while in treatment. “Most regimens are manageable now. With proper support, people can work, travel and live their lives. Cancer doesn’t have to mean isolation.”
This Pinktober, Aqilah urges women between 50 and 74 who haven’t had a mammogram in two years to get one. For those in their 40s, she advises consulting their doctor to see if screening is warranted at a younger age.
Finally, Aqilah stressed the importance of paying attention to warning signs such as lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or breast pain.
“If symptoms last for more than four weeks, seek medical advice. Don’t delay. Don’t assume you’re too young. Let someone guide you through it. You’ll feel more in control once you understand your options,” she concluded.