Campaign lends support to fight against triple-negative breast cancer
the auspices of the I Can, We Will campaign, the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) and National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) have come together with the support of MSD Malaysia to heighten education and awareness on triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that commonly affects younger women below the age of 40.
In Malaysia, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women of major ethnic groups between 2012–2016. The incidence of TNBC ranged from 12.4–17.6% of total breast cancer cases in the country. Compared to other breast cancers, TNBC is an aggressive form of cancer because it grows quickly, is more likely to have spread at the time it is found, and is more likely to recur after treatment.
TNBC does not have any of the receptors that are usually present within the breast tissue and breast cancer cells. These include the estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, and a protein known as HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). This makes TNBC more challenging to treatv as it does not respond to certain types of treatment.
“Typically, doctors would prescribe surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of a patient’s treatment plan. Due to the lack of ER/PR receptors and HER2 protein, certain treatments such as hormone therapy or targeted HER2 therapy are not suitable for TNBC patients. In recent years however, the availability of newer innovative therapies such as immunotherapy have afforded more treatment options for TNBC patients, giving them renewed hope to fight the disease,” explained consultant clinical oncologist Dr Jennifer Leong.
Beyond treating TNBC, providing adequate support to patients in a holistic manner is also crucial to their wellbeing and recovery.
BCWA president Lim Kim Foong,
who is a TNBC survivor herself, said having a strong support system can go a long way in assuring patients that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
“We are partnering NCSM and
MSD in furthering awareness on TNBC and providing avenues for patients to connect and relate with others. We also need to continue the conversation around TNBC and breast cancer, and not confine it to a health awareness month or day.”
“While breast cancer is widely talked about, many people may not realise that there are different types of breast cancer, each with its own unique characteristics. Hence, it is crucial that we step up our efforts to arm the public with the right information on TNBC so that early detection and appropriate treatment can be administered in a timely manner to ensure a higher survival rate and better quality of life,” said NCSM president and medical director Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.
The campaign has adopted the tagline of “Triple the facts, triple the fight”. Awareness and education efforts on TNBC will be rolled out via various platforms, beginning with educational content on www.icanwewill.com.my. The campaign will also maximise impact and reach via social media platforms, as well as community engagement initiatives scheduled for the later part of the year.