Breast cancer care must look beyond treatment, experts say

MALAYSIAN cancer experts have called for greater attention to breast cancer recurrence and long-term survivorship care, saying patients need clearer information about their individual risks even after completing treatment.

The issue was highlighted at a plenary session titled “Understanding and Managing Recurrence Risk in Early Breast Cancer” during the Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference 2026, held in Malaysia from June 26 to 28.

Sponsored by Novartis, the session aimed to equip patient advocacy groups with a better understanding of how recurrence risk varies according to individual clinical and genetic factors, and how advocates can help patients discuss long-term care with their healthcare teams.

Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, managing director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), said existing frameworks to improve breast cancer care did not adequately capture recurrence, leaving gaps in understanding how many patients experience a return of the disease.

“While national frameworks such as the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme and the BCCQI exist to standardize therapy and drive improvements in the quality of breast cancer care, these do not capture recurrence,” he said.

“We simply don’t know how many women with early breast cancer go on to experience a recurrence, and while we know that many patients are fearful that the cancer may return, it is rarely named or spoken of.”

Murallitharan said the lack of data made it difficult to plan services and allocate funding for patients who require ongoing support after their initial treatment.

“This is a real challenge – without data, we are unable to plan for it or fund it, and this is why we need to examine ongoing gaps in survivorship and continuity of care, particularly in how patients are supported beyond initial treatment,” he remarked.

He added that improving outcomes would require a closer examination of equitable access to long-term care and how early and openly recurrence risk was discussed with patients.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, according to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021.

However, the risk of recurrence differs between patients and depends on factors including tumour characteristics, stage at diagnosis and treatment received.

The plenary explored how tumour biology, biomarkers and genetic testing can inform treatment decisions and assessments of recurrence risk. It also discussed factors that may raise or lower risk, long-term monitoring and practical ways for advocates to support patients beyond their initial treatment.

Sanjeev Balachandran, country president of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets, said breast cancer care should address patients’ lives after treatment as well as their immediate treatment outcomes.

“Early breast cancer is no longer just about survival. It is about what comes after – how patients live, how they are monitored, and how prepared they feel for what lies ahead,” he noted.

“This means making recurrence risk part of the routine dialogue, not something that happens too late or not at all.”

Balachandran said Novartis aimed to support better outcomes by normalising discussions about recurrence and encouraging patients to take an active role in their long-term care.

The session also highlighted the need for closer coordination among clinicians, patient advocacy groups and other healthcare stakeholders to ensure patients have access to reliable information and support throughout their cancer journey.

Among the resources highlighted was the National Breast Cancer Directory, a platform developed by NCSM in partnership with Novartis to help people find information on breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services in Malaysia.

Patients can also access educational information and support tools through the ICanCare app, available on mobile platforms.

The organisers said these initiatives were intended to strengthen patient advocacy and make discussions about recurrence risk a more routine part of breast cancer care. ‒ Oct 19, 2026

The post Breast cancer care must look beyond treatment, experts say first appeared on Focus Malaysia .