KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — In conjunction with Pinktober, Novartis Malaysia partnered with patient communities and health care experts to debut Living Well, Living Longer, a coffee table book that brings together stories and perspectives from patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates.
The book aims to inspire confidence, resilience, and hope for those navigating breast cancer and showcases the shared efforts to shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected breast cancer community in Malaysia.
Beyond Treatment: Addressing Gaps In Breast Cancer Care
Complementing the book, Novartis also spotlighted the ICanCare App, a digital platform developed by Novartis and featuring the contributions of various patient advocacy groups.
Available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, the app provides patients and caregivers with access to emotional guidance, treatment information, and counseling services.
Breast cancer remains a major health challenge in Malaysia, with many patients presenting at later stages and facing delays in diagnosis and uneven access to comprehensive support.
Malaysia’s estimated five-year breast cancer survival rate is approximately 67 per cent, compared with rates exceeding 80 to 90 per cent in some developed countries.
The combination of analog storytelling and digital support is designed to help bridge gaps—raising awareness, strengthening emotional well-being, and empowering patients and caregivers with trustworthy, easy-to-understand resources.
Beyond treatment and throughout survivorship, these initiatives play an important role within Novartis’ broader set of measures to support the goals of the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programms.
Building An Ecosystem Of Supporters
“At the heart of our mission is a steadfast commitment to improving and extending the lives of Malaysians,” said Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets (AEM).
“Through our partnerships, we have engaged more than 2,000 patients and caregivers in the past three years – but many more still need support.
“With the Living Well, Living Longer coffee table book and ICanCare App, we’re advancing holistic breast cancer care by expanding awareness and providing access to emotional guidance, localised disease information, and resources, so every patient affected by breast cancer has support at her fingertips to help her live well and live longer.”
One key feature of the ICanCare App is its psychosocial counseling options, provided by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM, shared: “Emotional support can be just as vital as medical treatment in shaping a patient’s recovery.
“Empowerment begins with empathy – listening, understanding, and walking alongside patients. Tools like this book and the ICanCare App are bridges that connect patients to knowledge, support, and hope.”
Apart from the benefits for patients and caregivers, sustainable solutions also need to address the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
“We continue to see many breast cancer patients in Malaysia presenting with late-stage breast cancer due to a lack of awareness, limited access to early detection, and the challenges for patients to navigate the complex health care system,” said Dr Mastura Yusof, consultant clinical oncologist, Hospital Picaso and Technical Advisor for Breast Cancer Welfare Association at the event.
“Yet, due to limited time and resource constraints, it is very difficult for oncologists to support patients beyond diagnosis and therapy.
“Platforms for shared experiences like Living Well, Living Longer and reliable sources of information such as the ICanCare App are therefore increasingly important.”
A Living Movement, Not A moment
The launch builds on partnership-led initiatives such as Gift of Time, a series of patient-focused engagements celebrating survivorship and emotional resilience.
Novartis Malaysia invites more partners across the ecosystem to collaborate in building a more connected, compassionate, and patient-centered approach to breast cancer care.
