Galen Centre: Breast cancer must be recognised in the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
Its chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said the ommission of breast cancer in the zero draft of the 2025 Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health is a serious oversight that fails to reflect the lived realities and urgent public health needs of millions of women across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
'We call for Malaysia, as chair of ASEAN for 2025 and a leader of this region, to take up this call to include breast cancer in this important declaration,' he said.
'In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, accounting for over 30% of all female cancers. Nine women lose their lives to breast cancer each day.'
Citing the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2012–2016, Azrul further noted that one in 19 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
Worryingly, over 47% of cases are detected at late stages (Stage 3 or 4), when survival rates are significantly lower and treatment costs exponentially higher.
Unfortunately, Malaysia's 5 year survival rate for breast cancer is among the worst in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, a study by Universiti Putra Malaysia found that 13.6% of women in Malaysia are diagnosed before the age of 40, which is higher than in Western countries.
'The burden of breast cancer is not only medical—it is social, economic, and deeply gendered. Many women face barriers to early detection, including stigma, low awareness, lack of access to mammograms, and unaffordable treatment options,' Azrul continued.
'The disease also disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries in the region, where health systems are under strain and cancer care infrastructure remains underdeveloped. We cannot afford to leave out breast cancer in this important declaration.
'In Southeast Asia, the incidence of breast cancer has risen steadily, compounded by increasing urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and ageing populations.
'Health illiteracy, the lack of structured national screening programmes and delays in diagnosis contribute to high mortality rates across the Southeast Asian region.
'We strongly echo the sentiments expressed by global health advocates that breast cancer cannot be excluded from global NCD agendas. It is a leading cause of premature death among women and demands a concerted, multisectoral response.'
The Galen Centre calls for the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health to:
Explicitly include breast cancer as a priority NCD within the global agenda;
Recognise the unique challenges faced by women in low- and middle-income countries in accessing breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care;
Support equity in cancer control, including commitments to universal health coverage, affordable medicines, early detection programmes, and investments in oncology infrastructure; and
Promote national cancer control strategies that integrate breast cancer prevention and treatment, with measurable targets and accountability frameworks.
'No woman should be left behind in the fight against NCDs. Breast cancer should be recognised as a political, economic, and health priority for the region and the world,' stressed Azrul.
'As Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries strive to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 (to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030) the inclusion of breast cancer is not optional; it is essential.' ‒ July 17, 2025
Main image: Shutterstock/Jo Panuwat D
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia can take the lead in managing the global obesity crisis
Obesity is a slow-moving emergency in Malaysia – creeping steadily through the population, raising healthcare costs, reducing productivity and contributing to rising levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is one of the defining public health challenges of the 21st century and Malaysia is on the front lines. We now have one of the highest adult obesity rates in South-East Asia, with over half of the adult population classified as overweight or obese, according to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The economic toll is no less alarming. Prevent the kilos, save the money According to the Health Ministry's Investment Case for the Prevention and Control of NCDs , obesity-related conditions cost our economy over RM5.2bil in 2017 alone. This was RM1.7bil in direct healthcare expenses and another RM3.5bil in productivity losses. The human and economic burden is substantial and growing. Yet, the same investment case provides a hopeful counterpoint: effective prevention could yield dramatic savings. The report shows that every ringgit invested in obesity prevention could return up to six ringgit in benefits through reduced health costs and productivity gains. Malaysia stands to save RM43bil over 15 years by implementing proven and cost-effective interventions, particularly through fiscal measures and nutrition strategies. These aren't theoretical solutions; they're policy tools with demonstrated success globally. For instance, expanding Malaysia's existing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax framework could yield measurable reductions in sugary drink consumption, while implementing school nutrition programmes would create vital structural protections for vulnerable youth populations. What makes these interventions particularly compelling is their dual benefit: they simultaneously save lives while generating significant economic returns. ALSO READ: Sugary drinks intake went up among kids, in tandem with obesity Addressing the problem Despite the facts, obesity remains under-addressed in Malaysia's health and development plans. While NCDs such as diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease often receive targeted action, obesity – their leading cause – is too often treated as a secondary concern, or worse, as a personal failing rather than what it is: a chronic disease driven by the interplay of genetic predisposition, food environment, exploitative marketing and socioeconomic factors. ALSO READ: Obesity is more complex than just overeating The global health community has increasingly recognised this complexity. Since 2018, obesity has been classified as a disease rather than simply a risk factor for other illnesses. This redefinition carries major implications, not only for treatment, but for policy, shifting the focus from individual willpower to systemic action. The case for action is not merely domestic. As Asean Chair and a participant in next month's (September 2025) fourth United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) on NCDs, Malaysia has an historic opportunity to lead the global charge against obesity. Unfortunately, the current draft of the UN Political Declaration – scheduled for adoption at the meeting – fails to reflect the gravity of the obesity crisis. It stops short of naming obesity as a chronic disease, omits reference to several evidence- informed interventions recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) – including fiscal interventions such as taxes on SSBs of at least 20% – and uses weak language on addressing food systems in relation to prevention policy. This represents a missed opportunity and fails the one billion people living with obesity worldwide and future generations who are at increasing risk. Obesity accounts for around 43% of type 2 diabetes, up to 78% of hypertension (high blood pressure), and plays a role in at least 13 types of cancer. And yet, fewer than 20% of countries have meaningfully integrated obesity into their primary care systems, and effective policies, like SSB taxes, remain underutilised, despite a strong evidence base showing they reduce consumption and disease risk across income levels. Time for Malaysia to lead Malaysia's position on both the regional and global stage presents a unique opportunity. As Asean Chair, the country can lead a coordinated regional voice advocating for stronger commitments in the final UN declaration. That includes recognition of obesity as a disease, adoption of WHO-recommended policies to reshape food environments, and integration of obesity services into health systems. These elements are not just ethically and scientifically justified – they are economically rational. As Malaysia embarks on implementing its 13th development plan (i.e. 13th Malaysia Plan), it offers an excellent domestic vehicle to scale up obesity prevention in line with the Investment Case 's recommendations. The science is clear, the economic case is irrefutable, and the timing is politically opportune. Now is the moment for leaders to choose legacy over lethargy, and transform this slow-moving crisis into public health and public finance wins. Political and public health leaders have the chance to act on solid local evidence while championing global progress. It is no exaggeration to say that the cost of inaction will be counted in millions of lives lost and billions of ringgit drained from the economy. But the good news is that solutions exist. Malaysia, with its data in hand, its leadership role in Asean and its voice at the UN, is well placed to turn the tide – not only for its own population, but also as an advocate for equitable, systemic responses to obesity across the region and beyond. The challenge is not whether effective action is possible; it is whether the political will exists to deliver it before this slow- burning crisis becomes a full-blown catastrophe. History judges societies not by their crises, but by their responses. This is Malaysia's moment to lead, or be left behind. Dr Geeta Appannah is a professor of nutrition and dietetics at IMU University, president of the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity and member of the World Obesity Federation's Policy and Prevention Committee. Dr Kent Buse is a professor of health policy at Monash University Malaysia and chair of the World Obesity Federation's Policy and Prevention Committee. For more information, email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's youngest recorded heart attack patient only 19, says Dzulkefly
KANGAR, Aug 9 — Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Malaysians have reached an alarming level, with the youngest recorded case of heart attack at the National Heart Institute (IJN) involving a 19-year-old patient. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry would address the issue aggressively, and at the same he urges people in the country to practice a healthy lifestyle, including exercising and taking care of their diet. He said high blood pressure or hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are the main factors leading to heart attacks, which can be silent killers if ignored. 'According to the findings of the National Health Mobility Survey 2023, one in three Malaysians suffers from hypertension and high cholesterol, while one in six suffers from diabetes, and one in two (or nearly 54 per cent) are overweight or obese. 'We are concerned about non-communicable diseases, which are the leading cause of death, namely heart attacks,' he said at a press conference after the opening ceremony of the Karnival Sihat Milik Semua at Dewan 2020 here today. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. Also gracing the event was the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. The two-day carnival, starting today, is among the side programmes held in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebration marking the 25th year of the reign of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail. In addition, Dzulkefly said his team is also paying attention to chronic diseases such as lung disease caused by smoking, for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and most seriously, lung cancer. '(After heart attacks, which also cause death) the second non-communicable disease is cancer, but in the case of lung (disease) it can also be the second killer, now it may replace heart attacks (if not addressed) related to cigarette-induced lung disease,' he said. He said Malaysia spends approximately RM64.3 billion annually on NCD treatment, based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO). — Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
National health insurance scheme could raise RM6b yearly, says Galen Centre chief
KUALA LUMPUR: A National Health and Social Insurance scheme could generate RM6 billion annually if implemented at a similar contribution rate as Perkeso deductions, said Galen Centre chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib. On an episode of the 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast, Azrul said the proposed fund may not be enough to supplant existing allocations but could serve as a supplement. "The RM6 billion will enable us to finance the things we say we cannot afford: better salaries for specialists, improved pay for nurses and doctors, modernisation of poor facilities, and the ability to attract overseas talent to work in Malaysia," he said. Touting the immediate revenue amount as a game-changer, Azrul weighed it against the revenue expected from the Rakan KKM initiative, which he estimates to be around RM50 million annually. While acknowledging Rakan KKM as a good effort that could positively disrupt the healthcare system, he said pilot projects inevitably come with "ups and downs" and that the most important lesson was to adapt and find alternatives if they fail. The Rakan KKM initiative, which Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently described as a game-changer, allows specialists to offer paid elective services at selected public hospitals, with proceeds reinvested to upgrade facilities and expand capacity.
