Answer for Oral Question PL021

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin

YANG BERHORMAT DR. AWANG HAJI MAHALI BIN HAJI MOMIN requested the MENTERI KESIHATAN to state the Ministry’s plans for sharing screening data on cancer, including data on changes at the detection stage, with the public in order to raise awareness and encourage earlier detection.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan

The Ministry of Health is committed to increasing public awareness and participation in cancer screening programmes. We acknowledge that early detection provides opportunities for more effective treatment and more positive health outcomes.

For information, the screening data routinely collected at present consists of participation rates among the target population. For example, in 2025:

• Cervical cancer screening recorded 9,066 participants, an increase of 71% compared to the previous year.
• Breast cancer screening recorded 2,640 participants, an increase of 21%.
• Colorectal cancer screening recorded 513 participants, representing a twofold increase.

This data is shared through annual reports, infographics and community outreach activities to enhance public understanding of the importance of undergoing regular screening.

With regard to detection-stage or staging data, this is being strengthened through the development and improvement of the national Cancer Registry.

The Ministry’s plan is to integrate screening data with clinical data, including information on the stage at diagnosis. Through this approach, we can assess the extent to which screening programmes contribute to the early detection of cancer.

Overall, the Ministry’s direction is clear:

• First, to increase screening participation among the people;
• Second, to strengthen the data management system, including the Cancer Registry; and
• Third, to enable more in-depth analysis, including an assessment of the stage of cancer at the time of detection.

In addition, since the beginning of 2025, all cancer screening programmes under the National Health Screening Programme have been incorporated into the BruHealth application. This makes it easier for people to register and book appointments for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening.

This programme is also implemented through a strategic collaboration with Early Detection and Cancer Prevention Services at Jerudong Park Medical Centre.

This complementary public-private approach expands access, facilitates referrals and ensures continuity of care. InsyaAllah, these integrated efforts will continue to increase screening participation rates and strengthen the early detection of cancer for the well-being of the people.