{
  "id": 16831536,
  "title": "Breast cancer care is no longer one-size-fits-all",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/breast-cancer-care-is-no-longer-one-size-fits-all-16831536",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-28T01:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/28/breast-cancer-care-is-no-longer-one-size-fits-all"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The pink ribbon embodies breast cancer awareness and support, and the battle against the disease. (Envato Elements pic) In Malaysia, many women hear the diagnosis \"you have breast cancer\" and immediately think of surgery, chemotherapy, and a challenging journey ahead. However, modern treatment is becoming increasingly personalized, taking into account not only the size or stage of the tumour but also the specific type of breast cancer and the individual woman.\n\nConsultant clinical oncologist Dr Nisha Shariff points out that breast cancer consists of various subtypes, each with different behaviours. Some cancers grow in response to hormones, while others produce excessive amounts of a protein called HER2, which can promote cancer cell growth. Triple-negative breast cancer lacks these typical markers, requiring a distinct treatment approach. By identifying the type of cancer, doctors can determine the most effective treatments for each patient. For instance, a woman with hormone-sensitive, HER2-negative cancer may need surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment, while another with HER2-positive cancer of a similar size might require chemotherapy and a medication designed to block HER2.\n\nFactors such as age, overall health, menopausal status, and personal preferences also impact treatment decisions. Doctors treat not only the cancer but also the person living with it. The term \"aggressive\" can instil fear, but Dr Shariff clarifies that it describes how a cancer behaves rather than predicting a patient's outcome. Some types, including triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers, can grow rapidly. Yet, they may also respond exceptionally well to treatments specifically designed for them. In the past, HER2-positive breast cancer often carried a poor prognosis, but targeted therapies have significantly improved survival rates for many women with breast cancer.\n\nAnother aspect of personalized care is genomic testing, which examines patterns within the cancer to help doctors determine whether chemotherapy might benefit a particular patient. Simultaneously, advancements in surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted medications have expanded the range of treatment options available. Instead of asking which treatment offers the best outcome, the focus has shifted to what is most appropriate for each patient, with an emphasis on survivorship.\n\nDespite these advancements, many breast cancers in Malaysia are still diagnosed at later stages. Fear plays a role, with some women delaying mammograms due to discomfort, embarrassment, or concerns about the test's results. However, delaying screening can mean missing the opportunity to find cancer early when treatment may be simpler and more options are available. A mammogram can provide reassurance if no cancer is detected, and when a cancer is found early, it is generally linked to better outcomes. Early screening can make a significant difference, enabling the detection of cancer sooner when treatment options are broader and overall results are typically more positive.\n\nNisha stresses that fear should not dictate decisions. Knowledge is empowering. For women who feel anxious about screening, she recommends bringing a friend or family member along for support. Breast cancer care has evolved beyond merely controlling the disease; it now involves a multidisciplinary team to address various aspects of a woman's well-being. This includes rebuilding strength, managing emotional health, dealing with changes in body image or intimacy, discussing fertility, and planning for a return to work. Treatment extends beyond the active phase, as support continues even after treatment has ended. Dr Shariff concludes, \"Cancer doesn't define you. It is one chapter of your life, not the whole story.\"",
  "summary": "The disease remains the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, with almost half of cases diagnosed at stages 3 and 4.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}