INNOVATIVE healthcare solutions provider Novartis Malaysia has been honoured with the Community Impact in Cancer Care Award at the inaugural National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM).
The award presented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is the culmination of multi-faceted initiatives by Novartis Malaysia and multiple collaborations with NCSM over the years
Organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), the NCCM themed “Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives” brought together key stakeholders to address pressing issues in cancer care.
The platform facilitated in-depth discussions between healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, academia and the private sector on ways to improve cancer outcomes.
During the event held in collaboration with Sunway University, Dr Dzulkefly reiterated the importance of partnerships in advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.
NCCM’s agenda is one that aligns with the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021-2025 which focuses on cancer prevention and control via a holistic approach.
Talks were also delivered by representatives from Novartis Malaysia including its Country Public Affairs head Panderengen Jegatheswaran and Country Medical Affairs head Dr Sethi Balraj on improving the breast cancer landscape via public-private partnerships and ethics of collaboration.
“At Novartis Malaysia, we believe in going above and beyond, together, for patients,” commented Novartis Malaysia and Brunei country president Mohamed Elwakil.
“Partnerships with the right stakeholders will enable us to fulfil our purpose of improving and extending the lives of Malaysians.”
Contending that breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Malaysian women, Elwakil said beyond providing innovative treatments, there are other unmet needs that has led Novartis Malaysia to seek meaningful and impactful partnerships to address those gaps.
“In addition to partnerships, we are also strong advocates of innovation. During NCCM, we’re happy to co-champion yet another joint initiative with NCSM via the introduction of a counselling feature in ICanCare application,” shared Elwakil.
“This addition to the application will make it an even more comprehensive platform to assist cancer patients on their journey.”
Currently, one in 19 Malaysian women are at risk of developing breast cancer which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women of all ethnic groups.
According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 report, breast cancer accounts for 32.9% of all cancer cases among Malaysian women. Alarmingly, more than half (52.2%) of Malaysian women are diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer under the age of 50 which contributed to higher mortality rates.
Therefore, digital innovations such as ICanCare are crucial in helping patients and caregivers navigate the complexities of the disease.
With a national smartphone user penetration rate of 89%, this app – available for free on Apple’s App Store or Google Play – could also potentially serve cancer patients who do not have easy access to clinicians such as those living in rural areas. – Aug 19, 2024
