When it comes to cancer, most of us feel a mix of fear, confusion and uncertainty. But the truth is, understanding cancer better could save lives. In this open and insightful Q&A, Dr John Low, CEO & Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia, shares what every Malaysian needs to know – from cancer trends and recent advancements in treatment to common myths and misconceptions. His advice? Don’t fear it. Face it early, and you might just beat it.
Q: What does the cancer landscape in Malaysia look like today? Are there any shifts?
Dr John Low: Cancer today is not what it was 20 or even 10 years ago. Yes, the incidence of cancer is on the rise, and it is not just among the elderly. The good news is that survival rates have improved tremendously. This is the positive shift we are seeing. We now have more advanced treatments, earlier detection methods, and a better understanding of the disease pathology.
The latest Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021 does paint a sobering picture. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed, followed by colorectal, lung, lymphoma, and liver cancers. We are also seeing more prostate cancer cases, likely due to increased awareness, screening and earlier detection of the disease. Cervical cancer rates are dropping with the implementation of the national HPV vaccination programme.
Although cancer is more common than ever, with 1 in 8 Malaysians at risk, early detection and interventions are making a difference.
Q: Isn’t cancer mostly an older person’s disease?
Dr John Low: Not anymore. We are seeing more breast and colon cancers in Malaysians under 50. This may be due to rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and a shift away from a traditional high-fibre-low-fat diet to one with more processed and modern-day convenience food. Increased awareness and screening are also picking up the cancers earlier.
Being young doesn’t mean you are immune. Your lifestyle today shapes your health tomorrow.
Q: What are some cancer myths or ‘old school’ beliefs you still hear?
Dr John Low: Three common ones:
- “Cancer is a death sentence.” Not true. Many cancers are treatable, even curable, especially when detected early. With more effective treatments available, survival rates have improved significantly.
- “Sugar feeds cancer.” Cancer cells use glucose, but so do all your healthy cells. Cutting sugar alone won’t cure cancer. What matters more is maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet to support your overall health when undergoing treatment.
- “Traditional medicine alone can cure cancer.” Some traditional remedies may support wellbeing or alleviate side effects, but they should never replace evidence-based cancer therapies like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Q: Is the belief that cancer is always fatal still common?
Dr John Low: Yes, but this mindset is changing, and rightly so. With advances like immunotherapy and targeted therapies, some stage 4 cancers can now survive for years. Cancer today can often be treated like a chronic condition. Many people continue to work, travel, and enjoy life during and after treatment.
Palliative care is also often misunderstood. It is not about giving up, but improving the quality of life. Living with cancer is possible. Early detection, timely care, and emotional support make all the difference.
Q: What are some early warning signs or symptoms do people often ignore?
Dr John Low: In Malaysia, many early cancer signs are brushed off due to fear, cultural beliefs, or misconceptions. Common examples include:
- Sudden weight loss – often mistaken as a result of successful dieting, when it could signal stomach or pancreatic cancer
- Blood in stool – frequently dismissed as a result of haemorrhoids or eating spicy food, when it can be an early sign of colorectal cancer
- People tend to delay check-ups, thinking “it’s probably nothing” – but this can cost precious time. Early detection can mean less aggressive treatment and a much better outcome
As I always emphasise, it is better to check and be safe – early action saves lives.
Q: What do you say to someone who thinks, ‘I’m too young or healthy to need a screening’? How can they be more proactive about health checks?
Dr John Low: No one wants to think about cancer, especially when they feel fine. But the truth is, cancer does not care how young or healthy you are. We are seeing cases like breast, colorectal, and even cervical cancer in people in their 30s. Lifestyle risks like processed foods, smoking, and air pollution don’t discriminate.
Think of screenings like car maintenance – you don’t wait for the engine to fail to change the oil. Rid procrastination, be in control. A quick check now could save you later.
Q: Can lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, or stress really reduce cancer risk?
Dr John Low: Absolutely. A healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and managing stress all play a key role in lowering cancer risk. But the most effective protection comes from combining these healthy habits with regular screenings, especially if you have a positive family history of cancer.
Simple tip:
“Kurang manis, lebihkan sayur” is more than a slogan. It is a proactive step toward reducing cancer risk. It is about taking charge and making smarter choices for your health every day.
Q: What are some of the newer cancer treatments now available in Malaysia?
Dr John Low: Surgical, radiation and medical oncology, the three main cancer therapy modalities, have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. We now have a strong armamentarium to combat cancer. Robot-assisted surgeries with the enhanced dexterity of the robotic arms can now remove tumours from what were once difficult or impossible locations to access.
Modern radiotherapy, aided by the input of artificial intelligence, can now track and deliver precisely tumourcidal doses of radiation to the cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy, causing minimal or no collateral damage.
Most impactful today is our deeper and better understanding of the root causes of cancer. Oncologists in this modern era can avail of targeted drugs that can directly switch off the driver mutations in cancers. Immunotherapy is another modality, where cytotoxic agents are delivered on the back of conjugated monoclonal antibodies, which purposefully zoom in on the malignant cells whose immunogenicity we have identified.
These new sophisticated therapies have vastly increased the chance of cure and effectively minimised the potential adverse effects of treatment. It is without a doubt that we are closing in on this enemy.
Q: What is ‘personalised cancer care’ and why does it matter?
Dr John Low: Personalised cancer care refers to the treatment that is best suited to your cancer and its genetic profile, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. By focusing on and delineating specific characteristics of your cancer, such as its genetic profile, we tailor the treatment to target the vulnerability specifically. This precision not only helps improve treatment effectiveness but also minimises side effects, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Q: If there is one message you want every Malaysian to remember, what would it be?
Dr John Low: Cancer is not a distant threat; it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. However early detection, regular screenings, and taking proactive steps for your health can make all the difference. Prevention and early action save lives.
Final Thought:
Cancer is not the end – it can be a new beginning. Be aware, stay healthy, and most importantly, don’t wait. Your body is always speaking, so make sure you are listening.
