Call for greater awareness, effective care to combat cancer in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 4): Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges affecting families and communities across Malaysia, with awareness, early screening and timely treatment critical to improving outcomes.

In pointing this out, Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang highlighted the global call ‘cancer does not wait’, noting that delays in detection and treatment can cost lives, making early intervention crucial.

Drawing from her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, she said early detection and strong community support play a significant role in patient recovery.

“My own journey with breast cancer has shown me how critical early detection and support from the community are in improving outcomes,” she said in a statement.

Lasimbang noted that many patients, particularly women and those living in rural areas, continue to face challenges in accessing screening services, reliable information and appropriate treatment facilities.

“These gaps must be addressed through stronger outreach programmes, partnerships with healthcare providers and community-based awareness initiatives,” she said, adding that unequal access to healthcare remains a major barrier in the fight against cancer.

She said this year’s World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique’, recognises that while every cancer journey is different, society shares a collective responsibility to ensure that no one faces the disease alone.

“Communities play a vital role in encouraging regular health checks, providing emotional support to patients, and reducing the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help early,” she said.

Lasimbang also called on the private sector, particularly insurance providers, to expand coverage for follow-up treatments, regular monitoring and long-term recovery needs.

“Ongoing medical expenses often continue long after initial treatment, placing a heavy financial burden on patients and their families,” she said.

At the same time, she urged the government to expedite the installation of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan facility in Sabah, which has been promised for several years.

“Patients should no longer have to travel outside Sabah for crucial diagnostic and monitoring services,” she said.

On World Cancer Day, Lasimbang called for renewed commitment towards building a more compassionate and informed society, supported by accessible healthcare services.

“Through collective action and shared responsibility, we can create a future where cancer is detected earlier, treated effectively and faced with courage and solidarity,” she said.