KUCHING: The ‘Let’s Talk About Health’ seminar attracted around 50 participants today (Feb 14), offering guidance on cancer awareness and available support services in Malaysia.
The event served as a platform to educate the public on cancer prevention, financial preparedness and where to seek assistance.
Organised by KT Ultimate Advisory, i-Lindung KWSP and WEKongsi Referrer, the seminar ran from 9.30am to 12pm at the seminar room above Klinik Ko Metrocity.
It was open to individuals aged between 30 and 60. Most participants were women, with 24 men also attending.
Promotional partner of i-Lindung KWSP from KT Ultimate Advisory, Ali Hossen Abang, said rising medical costs remain one of the biggest public concerns.
“From a financial perspective, cancer treatment expenses are very high.
“Many families are unprepared, and this can seriously disrupt their financial stability,” he told Sarawak Tribune after officiating the seminar, which was held in conjunction with World Cancer Day, on behalf of Political Secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Ahmad Nazib Johari.
He stressed that early financial planning is crucial before any illness occurs.
“When it comes to insurance or takaful, people must understand what they are covered for. Awareness is important, especially before any medical condition is diagnosed,” he added.
He said the seminar also supports the government’s initiative through the NCSM-PDHS VALENS Support Fund.
“This is a cancer patient support fund established through collaboration between the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Pharm-D Health Science (PDHS) in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2026.
“The fund aims to strengthen cancer care by improving access to specialised nutritional support products, education and public awareness related to the disease,” he said.
During the session, participants were also briefed on the rising cost of cancer treatment at Malaysia’s private hospitals.
According to a report by KT Ultimate Advisory, cancer treatment costs in 2024 vary significantly depending on the type of illness.
Breast cancer treatment currently ranges from RM78,000 to RM395,000 and could increase to between RM268,000 and RM1.35 million over the next 10 years.
Colorectal cancer treatment is estimated at RM56,000 to RM121,000, with projections rising to between RM192,000 and RM414,000.
Lung cancer treatment costs range from RM65,000 to RM76,000 and may increase to between RM223,000 and RM261,000.
Cervical cancer treatment is currently estimated at RM40,000 to RM120,000 and could rise to between RM138,000 and RM422,000.
Meanwhile, nasopharyngeal cancer treatment ranges from RM42,000 to RM70,000 and is projected to increase to between RM144,000 and RM240,000, based on an assumed 13.1 per cent annual medical inflation rate over the next decade.
For the record, Utusan Malaysia reported on Feb 9 that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad introduced the NCSM-PDHS VALENS Assistance Fund during the World Cancer Day 2026 Programme organised by NCSM.
VALENS is a specialised medical nutrition brand under Pharm-D Health Science (PDHS).
