Challenges in accessing reproductive cancer treatment for women in Malaysia

Women in Malaysia, particularly young women, face significant challenges when seeking treatment for reproductive cancers. Despite a robust healthcare system, both public and private, the path to receiving timely and effective care is often fraught with hurdles.

From long waiting times in government hospitals to high costs in private settings, navigating the complex medical landscape can be overwhelming.

Dr Vigneswaran Ramakrishnan, a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Prince Court, notes that while the healthcare system is generally well-equipped to handle reproductive cancers, accessibility remains an issue.

"If you have cancer, we have a really good health system in the government sector, and there are many private hospitals capable of dealing with these cases.

"However, if you go to the government sector, you’ll likely face long waiting times, and you may be treated by doctors who are new to the system and may not fully understand the urgency of referral to specialised centers," he said to Sinar Daily.

In the private sector, Dr Vigneswaran said the primary barrier is cost. Cancer treatment, which often involves surgery and chemotherapy, can be prohibitively expensive, especially for young women who may also need fertility preservation options.

"Even if you're preserving your organs for fertility reasons, cancer treatment can still be very costly," he points out.

Dr Vigneswaran said the fertility preservation is a critical issue, especially for young women diagnosed with cancers like ovarian cancer. “

For instance, he said a woman with ovarian cancer may only need to have one ovary removed, but she may require chemotherapy.

"Before starting chemotherapy, we offer her the option to store eggs in a fertility bank, so she has the possibility of conceiving in the future, in case chemotherapy causes any fertility damage," he adds.

AWARENESS AND GAPS IN SCREENING

According to the expert, one of the major gaps in Malaysia’s healthcare system when it comes to reproductive cancers is a lack of awareness.

Despite the availability of effective screening methods like pap smears and liquid-based cytology tests at all health clinics across the country, he said many women are unaware of these services or hesitant to use them.

"The issue is public awareness. There’s a very good screening system in place, but many people don’t realise it.

"Women at higher risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer, such as those with a family history or concerning symptoms, need to be more proactive in seeking care," he said.

While Malaysia’s healthcare system is capable of providing comprehensive care, Dr Vigneswaran acknowledges that financial constraints can make it difficult for some women to access all available treatments.

"There are many newer drugs, especially those for cancer treatment, that are not covered by insurance, and they can be extremely expensive. But we still provide counseling to help women make the best decisions," he said.

Looking to the future, Dr Vigneswaran suggests several policy changes that could improve both the prevention and management of reproductive cancers in Malaysia.

One key area is offering fertility-sparing surgeries for young women.

"For young girls, we should offer fertility-sparing surgeries instead of radical surgeries. They should be given the option of preserving their reproductive organs, as the risk of leaving them intact is small compared to removing them entirely.

"By doing so, we can give them the chance to conceive and have children in the future," he said.

However, the expert also raises a more controversial issue—surrogacy.

"Surrogacy is not accepted in Malaysia, largely due to religious and legal constraints. But in the future, if this law were to change, it could offer another avenue for women who are unable to carry pregnancies themselves due to medical reasons," he suggests.