Novartis is working with healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and policymakers to improve early detection, coordinated care, and emotional support. A new coffee table book and the ICanCare App bring stories, guidance, and psychosocial support to patients and caregivers across Malaysia.
In conjunction with Pinktober, Novartis Malaysia partnered with patient communities and healthcare 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.
Complementing the book, Novartis also spotlighted the ICanCare App, a digital platform developed by Novartis featuring contributions from 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.
From Left:
Atilia Haron, Malaysian singer and breast cancer awareness advocate
Dr. Noor Nabila Mohd, Clinical Oncologist, Institut Kanser Negara
Dr. Mastura Md Yusof, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Hospital Picaso and Technical Advisor for Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA)
Pn. Mahani Kassim, President of Pink Unity, of National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)
Dr Suwarna Laxshmi Ramanathan, Programme Coordinator, Guided Patient Support NCSM
Mr. Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets (AEM)
Ms Kim Lim, President of BCWA
Dr. Vignesvari Subramaniam, Deputy Director, NCSM
Ms Liew Swee Lee, Secretary of BCWA
Grace Tam, breast cancer survivor
distinguished contributors and collaborators of the Living Well, Living Longer coffee table book, who came together at the launch event, highlighting the strength of collective voices in raising awareness and fostering support
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%, compared with rates exceeding 80–90% 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. These initiatives support the goals of the National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Program.
Sanjeev Balachandran, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Brunei and Asia Emerging Markets, said that the company is committed to improving and extending the lives of Malaysians. Through partnerships, Novartis has engaged more than 2,000 patients and caregivers in the past three years. The Living Well, Living Longer book and ICanCare App advance holistic breast cancer care by expanding awareness and providing access to emotional guidance, localized disease information, and resources, ensuring every patient affected by breast cancer has support at her fingertips.
The ICanCare App offers psychosocial counseling options provided by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. Prof Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of NCSM, emphasized that emotional support is just as vital as medical treatment in shaping a patient’s recovery. Tools like the book and app connect patients to knowledge, support, and hope.
Healthcare professionals also benefit from these initiatives. Dr. Mastura Md Yusof, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Technical Advisor for Breast Cancer Welfare Association, highlighted that many patients present with late-stage breast cancer due to a lack of awareness, limited access to early detection, and difficulties navigating the healthcare system. Platforms like Living Well, Living Longer and the ICanCare App provide essential support beyond diagnosis and therapy.
The launch builds on previous partnership-led initiatives, such as Gift of Time, which celebrate survivorship and emotional resilience. Novartis Malaysia continues to invite partners to collaborate in building a more connected, compassionate, and patient-centered approach to breast cancer care.
The Living Well, Living Longer coffee table book is available for free in the ICanCare App, which also provides access to psychosocial counseling, information about navigating care, and tools for patients and caregivers. Novartis Malaysia has been operating in the country since 1971 and continues to deliver on its mission to improve and extend the lives of Malaysians, reaching over 1.7 million patients through collaborations with the Ministry of Health.
For more information, visit the ICanCare App or Novartis Malaysia’s website.