Dr. Saunthari Somasundaram walks us through the NCSM’s mission to raise awareness on cancer prevention and early diagnosis in Malaysia. She details the need for more government support to make cancer education a pillar in healthcare and discredits the idea that care only includes treatment and cure.
Could you please introduce yourself to our international audience as well as the key activities and responsibilities of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM)?
Founded in 1966, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia is the oldest civil society organisation for cancer in Malaysia. Historically, in the 1960's, cancer treatment was only available in one hospital, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. NCSM’s first mission was to further develop cancer services at the hospital, especially looking at other aspects outside of treatments. For 53 years, the Society developed its services and now relies on three main pillars: education and advocacy, care, and support.
Cancer really needs to be integrated into the general mindset of all doctors, not only oncology specialists
