(Bandar Seri Begawan, 4th) February 4 is World Cancer Day, celebrated annually around the globe to raise public awareness of cancer and emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient support.
This year marks the second year of World Cancer Day, with the theme "United by Uniqueness." This theme not only calls upon all parts of society to unite in the fight against cancer, but also emphasizes the importance of understanding each individual's unique background, culture, emotions, and medical needs.
Understanding this uniqueness can make the treatment and support provided more effective, targeted, and meaningful, thereby improving the quality of life for cancer patients. In this respect, all sectors of society—including healthcare workers, families, communities, and governments—share a collective responsibility to support patients and combat cancer.
The Minister of Health, Dato Isham, issued a statement in conjunction with World Cancer Day.
According to data from the Brunei Darussalam Cancer Registry (BDCR), in 2024, a total of 860 new cancer cases (357 males, 503 females) were recorded among Brunei citizens and permanent residents. Among males, there were 88 new cases of colorectal cancer (24.6%), while among females, there were 127 new cases of breast cancer (25.2%).
This figure is an increase compared to the previous year, which saw 828 cases in 2023. In addition, there were a total of 368 recorded cancer deaths in the same year. For males, colorectal cancer was the most common type, followed by prostate cancer and lung cancer. For females, breast cancer remained the most common, followed by uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. These statistics show that although several cancer types are more prevalent, importance on prevention and early detection can have a significant impact on reducing incidence and mortality rates.
Prevention is a crucial foundation for lowering the risk of cancer. Everyone is encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle—for example, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke; maintaining a balanced diet and controlling body weight; and engaging in regular physical activity, at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each session.
In terms of early detection, the Ministry of Health is actively promoting an early cancer screening campaign, especially for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. Through the national health screening program, all Bruneian citizens and stateless residents can receive free screening. This program helps with early cancer detection, increases opportunities for more effective treatment, and reduces the risk of cancer complications or death.
Moreover, the battle against cancer does not end after treatment. Many cancer patients and survivors face long-term side effects as well as emotional and social challenges. Therefore, ongoing support through mutual support groups, psychosocial guidance, and safe spaces for sharing experiences is essential.
The Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen a patient-centered, inclusive cancer care model, including addressing challenges related to treatment accessibility and the burden on patients and their families.
However, the fight against cancer is not the sole responsibility of the health sector but requires cooperation from all parties, including individuals, families, communities, workplaces, and the younger generation. In this process, social support, care, and an attitude free from prejudice play an important role in boosting cancer patients' confidence.
For cancer patients and survivors, their resilience and patience inspire the whole society. For family members and caregivers, their sacrifices are the cornerstone of the recovery process and the well-being of their loved ones.
Let us join hands to make World Cancer Day 2026 an opportunity to encourage empathy, uphold the dignity and well-being of cancer patients, and build a caring and responsible society where everyone can play a role in the fight against cancer. By embracing the spirit of "unity and respect for individual differences," we can build an inclusive, hopeful society capable of meeting the challenge of cancer.
This year marks the second year of World Cancer Day, with the theme "United by Uniqueness." This theme not only calls upon all parts of society to unite in the fight against cancer, but also emphasizes the importance of understanding each individual's unique background, culture, emotions, and medical needs.
Understanding this uniqueness can make the treatment and support provided more effective, targeted, and meaningful, thereby improving the quality of life for cancer patients. In this respect, all sectors of society—including healthcare workers, families, communities, and governments—share a collective responsibility to support patients and combat cancer.
The Minister of Health, Dato Isham, issued a statement in conjunction with World Cancer Day.
This figure is an increase compared to the previous year, which saw 828 cases in 2023. In addition, there were a total of 368 recorded cancer deaths in the same year. For males, colorectal cancer was the most common type, followed by prostate cancer and lung cancer. For females, breast cancer remained the most common, followed by uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. These statistics show that although several cancer types are more prevalent, importance on prevention and early detection can have a significant impact on reducing incidence and mortality rates.
Prevention is a crucial foundation for lowering the risk of cancer. Everyone is encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle—for example, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke; maintaining a balanced diet and controlling body weight; and engaging in regular physical activity, at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each session.
In terms of early detection, the Ministry of Health is actively promoting an early cancer screening campaign, especially for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. Through the national health screening program, all Bruneian citizens and stateless residents can receive free screening. This program helps with early cancer detection, increases opportunities for more effective treatment, and reduces the risk of cancer complications or death.
Moreover, the battle against cancer does not end after treatment. Many cancer patients and survivors face long-term side effects as well as emotional and social challenges. Therefore, ongoing support through mutual support groups, psychosocial guidance, and safe spaces for sharing experiences is essential.
The Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen a patient-centered, inclusive cancer care model, including addressing challenges related to treatment accessibility and the burden on patients and their families.
However, the fight against cancer is not the sole responsibility of the health sector but requires cooperation from all parties, including individuals, families, communities, workplaces, and the younger generation. In this process, social support, care, and an attitude free from prejudice play an important role in boosting cancer patients' confidence.
For cancer patients and survivors, their resilience and patience inspire the whole society. For family members and caregivers, their sacrifices are the cornerstone of the recovery process and the well-being of their loved ones.
Let us join hands to make World Cancer Day 2026 an opportunity to encourage empathy, uphold the dignity and well-being of cancer patients, and build a caring and responsible society where everyone can play a role in the fight against cancer. By embracing the spirit of "unity and respect for individual differences," we can build an inclusive, hopeful society capable of meeting the challenge of cancer.