Cancer Research Malaysia
Expanding Access to Cancer Care
Yayasan Sime Darby has been a staunch supporter of Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) for the past 15 years, contributing more than RM66.2 million to fund cancer research, public awareness, and treatment accessibility programmes for underserved groups. From an initial focus on supporting cancer research in 2010, YSD’s efforts since 2014 has expanded to supporting research findings and reaching out to the community.
One such initiative is the Patient Navigation Programme (PNP), launched in 2014 to assist underprivileged women in navigating financial and logistical barriers, so they can access treatment quickly and improve their chances of survival. First made available at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang, the programme successfully reduced treatment default rates from 12% to 5%, and has since expanded to additional centres in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Seremban, with plans for more in the pipeline.
CRMY is the first Malaysian organisation to win the prestigious Wellcome Trust Collaborative Science Award and has to date published more than 200 scientific publications and filed four patents.
Prevention and early detection measures are crucial in the battle against cancer, and CRMY has made significant strides in both areas. These efforts include building the largest genomic map of breast cancers in Asian women and developing a database for the genomic study of oral cancer, crucial for advancing targeted therapies and enhancing early detection.
Additionally, CRMY has led the first Asian national study to improve access to genetic counselling. An Artificial Intelligence-enabled mobile application was also developed called ‘MeMoSA’ or Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere to conduct remote detection of suspicious lesions in the mouth via mobile-captured images. In February 2024, the app was launched in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, providing much needed support for treatment of oral health problems in the state, which lacks sufficient dental facilities to cater to its rural population. In this way, the initiative helps to propel the National Dental Health Strategic Plan 2020 – 2030 forward.
Phase 5 (2023- 2026) of YSD’s funding totalling RM12 million will assist the organisation in covering employee salaries and benefits for up to 53 staff—freeing CRMY to focus its efforts on cancer prevention and treatment strategies, including forming a DNA vaccine for oral cancer patients and improving breast cancer immunotherapy treatments.
CRMY’s core lab group, consisting of women scientists.
Over 300 Malaysian
cancer researchers trained
3,188 women
screened for early breast cancer detection
Access to genetic counselling improved
from 2% to 54%
of ovarian cancer patients
45 healthcare volunteers and 63 clinicians
trained to identify early oral cancer detection through the MeMoSA programme
1,250 individuals
from 8 villages in Sarawak screened through the MeMoSA programme
3,651 patients
navigated through PNP to access cancer treatment – 84% patients had timely diagnosis
The community-based PNP programme helps cancer patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they receive timely treatment and care.
