When the pink ribbons fade after Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many women continue to live with questions that go unanswered. What happens after treatment ends? How can survivors stay vigilant about their health? This year, a powerful collaboration of women leaders, medical experts, and advocates came together to answer those questions. They also wanted to break the silence around one of the least-discussed topics in survivorship: the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Malaysian Women Rise To Face Breast Cancer Recurrence
A powerful collaboration between G4G Malaysia, OncoCare Cancer Centre, and Novartis Malaysia empowers women with knowledge on breast cancer recurrence, sparking vital conversations on survivorship.
A Call To Continue The Conversation
While Malaysia has made significant progress in promoting early detection, the journey for early breast cancer survivors remains incomplete. Many patients find themselves navigating fragmented care after treatment, unsure of what to expect next. A recent Perception Survey commissioned by Novartis revealed that 69% of breast cancer patients worry about recurrence, yet 45% rarely discuss it with their doctors. Even more striking, 78% of patients and 60% of the public agree that awareness about recurrence is still lacking.
This pressing gap inspired Project Girls 4 Girls (G4G) Malaysia, OncoCare Cancer Centre at Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, and Novartis Malaysia to join forces. Together, they launched a meaningful initiative designed to empower survivors with knowledge. As well as to spark open, hopeful discussions about recurrence and long-term care.
Empowering Women With Knowledge And Support
The event gathered women, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in one supportive space to talk about what recurrence really means and how it can be managed. Participants learned about the importance of regular follow-ups, lifestyle factors that influence recurrence, and the emotional resilience needed to move forward.
One of the most moving moments came from a breast cancer survivor who shared her personal experience with recurrence, reminding everyone that strength grows through shared stories and community care.
Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets, expressed concern that one in six women with stage II and III (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer may face recurrence within three years. He emphasized the company’s commitment to “go beyond survival,” focusing on improving quality of life and ensuring better access to care for all Malaysians.
Strength In Community And Connection
For Fildzah Zulkifli, Deputy Country Lead of G4G Malaysia, awareness begins with empathy and sisterhood. She shared:
“Cancer is scary. Especially when it comes back. But women are stronger together. A strong support system is not just about encouragement. It’s about accountability and reminding each other to prioritize health.”
Dr. Ben Yap, Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare, encouraged women to have open conversations during follow-ups.
Ask your doctor three questions:
- Am I at risk of recurrence?
- How can I reduce my risk?
- Which tests do I need, and how often?
These simple yet powerful questions can change the way survivors approach their long-term health.
A Future Built On Awareness And Hope
The event concluded with a renewed sense of community and purpose. Women left not only with knowledge but with the confidence to share it with others.
For more information about early breast cancer recurrence, survivors and caregivers are encouraged to speak to their healthcare provider. Or, they may also download the iCanCare app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Together, Malaysians are proving that awareness does not end with diagnosis. It continues with courage, education, and connection.
