Malaysia hosts inaugural APPISx SEA meeting to improve breast cancer care in Asean
The meeting shared best practices, discussed challenges and collaborated on solutions for equitable access to breast cancer treatment and care across the region.
NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
THE inaugural Alliance & Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions Southeast Asia (APPISx SEA) meeting launched in Malaysia to improve care for women facing breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in all ten ASEAN countries.
Hosted by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and the Alliance & Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions (APPIS).
They shared best practices, discussed challenges and collaborated on solutions for equitable access to breast cancer treatment and care across the region.
Centred on the theme “Best Practices in Patient Navigation and Innovative Funding Solutions for Equitable Access to Breast Cancer Care in Southeast Asia,” the meeting addressed issues including patient support, funding, awareness and access to treatment.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to highlight participants’ solidarity and common goals.
Workshops, case study presentations and a roundtable discussion were held to empower leaders to champion better breast cancer care in their respective countries.
Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Sri Suriani Datuk Ahmad, said the initiative marked a vital milestone in uniting patient leaders and advocates across the region.
“By fostering collaboration and innovation, we are paving the way for women to access better care, earlier screenings and a brighter future. Together, we are stronger in the fight against breast cancer,” she said.
Managing Director of National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Assoc Prof Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration.
“Hearing from patients and advocacy champions across Southeast Asia helps us to better understand the unique challenges faced by each country.
"By working together through events like APPISx SEA, we can improve the standard of breast cancer care and provide meaningful and holistic support to patients in need,” he said.
Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Despite advances in awareness and screening, it continues to claim thousands of lives each year, with approximately 300,000 new cases and nearly 140,000 deaths recorded in 2020.
The mortality rate is particularly high in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, which recorded the highest breast cancer deaths in 2022.
In Malaysia alone, 1,681 women died from breast cancer in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for improved care.
President of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Novartis, Judith Love, said too many families across the region had experienced the loss of loved ones to breast cancer.
“Too many families in Southeast Asia know the pain of losing a mother, a daughter and friends to breast cancer – yet, significant gaps in awareness, access and support remain," she said.
She stated that as one of the largest threats to women’s health, we must do more to ensure patients receive the care they need and are enabled to live well and longer.
“At Novartis, we believe that reimagining progress in healthcare delivery begins with collaboration.
"Through platforms like APPIS, we can empower patient advocacy leaders with the knowledge, access, networks and tools needed to drive change in their communities,” she added.
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