Sultan Nazrin’s Call for Cancer Screening to Reach Every Malaysian Reinforces the Need for Accessible Innovation
PETALING JAYA — Early cancer detection must be accessible to every Malaysian, regardless of income, occupation or location. This was the powerful message emphasised by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Sultan of Perak, at the opening of the National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2026.
His Royal Highness called for a national screening programme capable of reaching people across all levels of society and described equitable early detection as one of Malaysia’s most important investments in the well-being of its people. He also urged clinicians, scientists, policymakers and communities to work together, recognising that no single institution can overcome cancer alone.
The message set a fitting direction for NCCM 2026, jointly convened by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and Sunway University under the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Hope, Empowering Lives.” Many cancers develop silently, and by the time symptoms appear, treatment may be more complex and the opportunity for early intervention narrower. Closing this gap requires a connected pathway—from understanding inherited risk and detecting cancer earlier to confirming a diagnosis promptly and selecting the most appropriate treatment.
Within this broader national effort, AGTC Genomics highlighted locally delivered genomic solutions designed to complement established cancer-care pathways.
CancerScreenDx™ is a blood-based multi-cancer early (MCED) detection test that looks for cancer-associated signals across 110 cancer types, while LungScreen™ and ColoScreen™ provide focused, non-invasive options for the early detection of lung and colorectal cancers.
In selected screening cohorts, AGTC Genomics’ programme experience has identified cancer-related signals in asymptomatic individuals who had not been flagged through conventional screening approaches at the time. Further diagnostic evaluation enabled those with confirmed cancer to seek treatment earlier. The company stressed that these tests complement—not replace—guideline-recommended screening, imaging, endoscopy or biopsy, and that any positive result requires appropriate clinical confirmation.
Access to cancer prevention also begins with understanding inherited risk. CancerRiskDx™ makes hereditary cancer screening more accessible through a blood or saliva sample, particularly for individuals with a strong personal or family history of cancer. Using next-generation sequencing, the test has greater than 99.9% analytical accuracy for covered mutations when present, providing information that can guide personalised surveillance, preventive strategies and informed discussions with family members and healthcare professionals.
Separately, at the same Congress, AGTC Genomics launched CancerInsightDx™, a new cancer-type-specific targeted genomic test for treatment decision support priced below RM1,000. The test uses next-generation sequencing to identify clinically actionable DNA mutations and gene fusions and relates the findings to evidence-based treatment options. By offering a focused and affordable entry point into precision oncology,
CancerInsightDx™ aims to help more Malaysian patients receive the right treatment sooner, while broader comprehensive genomic profiling remains available when clinically required.
“His Royal Highness’s message is both timely and deeply important. Early detection can only change outcomes when it is accessible, affordable and connected to a clear clinical pathway,” said Professor Chee-Onn Leong, Founder and CEO of AGTC Genomics. “Our goal is to help build that continuum—from identifying inherited risk and finding cancer earlier to providing clinicians with timely genomic guidance for treatment—using solutions developed and delivered here in Malaysia.”
Malaysia already has the scientific expertise, clinical capability and spirit of collaboration needed to transform cancer care. By bringing together public awareness, equitable screening, responsible genomic innovation and affordable treatment guidance, the country can move towards a future in which fewer cancers are discovered too late, more patients receive the right care sooner, and every Malaysian has a fairer chance of a better outcome.
About AGTC Genomics
AGTC Genomics is a Malaysian clinical genomics company providing advanced molecular and genomic testing across cancer, inherited conditions, infectious diseases, pharmacogenomics and precision health. Its clinical services are delivered locally through its ISO 15189- and CAP-accredited laboratory in Kuala Lumpur, supporting healthcare professionals and patients in Malaysia and across the region.
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