L–R: Yip, Kua, and Sumitra during the media engagement session organised by Novartis.Breast cancer constituted about one-third of female cancer cases in Malaysia and caused 3,526 deaths in 2022, making it the most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia. [https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheet.pdf] Further, early breast cancer patients i.e., Stage II and III, with HR+/HER2- subtype have been shown to have a risk of recurrence within 3 years. [Breast Cancer 2025;32(4):757–772]
Recent findings from a perception survey revealed two in three breast cancer patients (69 percent) are concerned or extremely concerned about the risk of recurrence, with 41 percent thinking about it often. The survey, commissioned by Novartis Malaysia through IQVIA, also found that despite the high level of concern, an equally large portion of respondents (45 percent) said they rarely think about recurrence, as it is not regularly discussed during doctor visits, with patients often perceived to be at “low risk”. Also, 78 percent of patients felt that public awareness of early breast cancer recurrence was inadequate, with just over half (53 percent) feeling informed about the factors that contribute to recurrence. [EBC Perception Survey in Malaysia, IQVIA (Novartis data on file)]
The survey findings highlight the urgent need for more proactive and regular conversations about recurrence risk between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring every patient understands their individual risk and can navigate their care with confidence.
To discuss the survey’s findings, an expert roundtable was held. Titled ‘Living Well, Living Longer: The Hidden Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence,’ it saw participation from key experts and stakeholders in the field of cancer care. “While recurrence risk differs from one person to another, normalising these conversations allows clinicians to better support patients in understanding their individual risk and long‑term care needs,” said Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har, Consultant Breast Surgeon.
She added that the survey found advice from family and physicians to be the main driver of treatment compliance followed by patients’ perception of their quality of life. More than 50 percent of patients fully understood the importance of adjuvant therapies such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy in reducing the risk of recurrence.
Dr Kua Voon Fong, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, saidtreatment advances are helping patients with high‑risk early breast cancer extend recurrence‑free survival. “When patients are supported to maintain a good quality of life, they are more likely to continue recommended adjuvant therapy, leading to improved outcomes.”
Healthcare providers can expect the following questions from patients regarding recurrence risk:
· Am I at risk of recurrence?
· How can I reduce my risk?
· Which tests do I need and how often should I take them?
Compassionate communication and ongoing follow-up are vital for patients navigating long-term treatment and survivorship, said Sumitra Selvaraj, General Manager, Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA). “As a patient advocacy group, we are committed to walking alongside patients and their families by providing education, emotional support, peer connections, and practical resources throughout the cancer journey. Support from loved ones, survivor communities, and trusted tools such as the ICanCare app can help patients access reliable information, reflect on concerns, and feel connected and reassured between clinic visits.”
The perception survey highlights the crucial need for healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and partners across the system to collaborate for better awareness and more informed decision-making around recurrence risk, said Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President, Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets (AEM).