NCCM 2025: MOH To Focus On Lung Health Prevention And AI

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is entering the final phase of its National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021–2025, with a renewed focus on strengthening cancer prevention, early detection and sustainable financing.

In this regard Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the three-day National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2025, jointly organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia  (NCSM) and Sunway University starting today, is aligned with the ministry’s plan in charting the next chapter of the strategic plan for cancer which is more data-driven, inclusive and forward-looking approach.

“Cancer remains one of the most pressing and devastating challenges in our fight against the pandemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

“According to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, we now record over 169,000 reported cancer cases, an increase of 47 per cent from the previous cycle. The lifetime risk of cancer has also increased to one in eight Malaysians,” he said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of NCCM 2025 themed ‘Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives’, at Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, here today.

Dzulkefly said in response to the rising threat of lung cancer, the ministry introduced the Lung Health Initiative during last year’s NCCM which is currently among the top three most common cancers in Malaysia and a leading cause of death.

He said Malaysia led the way on the global stage in cancer prevention and early detection with the adoption of the global resolution entitled Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), co-sponsored by 15 other WHO member states.

“This is a historic milestone not just for Malaysia, but for global public health. It reflects our belief in a whole-of-planet approach for lung health that integrates prevention, digital innovation, and people-centred care.

“Implementation is already underway, across six states namely Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being utilised for chest X-rays in selected health clinics and government hospitals for interpretation, improving accuracy and accelerating early detection for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses,” he said.

Dzulkefly also commended National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for extending the effort through mobile AI X-ray units, which help screen underserved communities and workers in industrial settings.

“This is how we make lung health a shared responsibility across all sectors, addressing broader lung health concerns holistically from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to tuberculosis, occupational diseases, smoking and air pollution,” he said.

The congress which aims to address pressing cancer-related challenges across Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific, welcomed over 1,000 participants including international delegates from Europe and the Middle East. 

Throughout the three-day programme, NCCM 2025 will feature in-depth sessions on cancer detection, screening, treatment innovation, personalised medicine and enhancing survivorship care. The congress serves as a platform to share the latest research and best practices across the cancer care continuum.

-- BERNAMA