In a statement in conjunction with World Cancer Day, the group said public awareness and understanding of the disease also need to be enhanced.

AMM said that since 2015, a total of 128,000 Malaysians have been diagnosed with cancer, and that in 2020 alone, 29,530 died from the disease.

The most common causes of death in Malaysia are breast, colorectal and lung cancer.

The academy said cancer did not receive the same level of attention last year because of Covid-19, though the silver lining was that the pandemic had a positive impact on the healthcare delivery system.

“Covid-19 has allowed for the accelerated adoption of telehealth for various healthcare departments and patients, including those with cancer.

“This bridges the access gap for people who are less mobile or reside in rural areas,” it said.

AMM also said the pandemic has increased public understanding of community-based care and intervention.

“The government and health advocates must seize this opportunity to ensure that this does not end with the pandemic,” it said.

It said as one-third of cancers are preventable, empowered communities can support one another to encourage healthy lifestyles and discourage poor habits like smoking and excessive junk food and alcohol consumption, which decrease the chances of developing cancer.