The involvement of the younger generation in raising awareness on cancer is vital. Early education and exposure can build a generation that is more aware and committed to preventive measures and early detection of cancer. In a message in conjunction with World Cancer Day 2025, the Minister of Health also emphasised the importance of the role of the workplace in encouraging employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo cancer screening. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar also stressed that with concerted efforts, complications and deaths from cancer can be prevented, cancer patients can receive life-saving treatment and equitable care for all cancer patients.
In the country, Brunei Darussalam's Cancer Registry recorded 7 HUNDRED 94 new cancer cases detected among citizens and permanent residents in 2023. The number increased from 7 HUNDRED 43 cases in the previous year. In the same year, a total of 351 cases of death due to cancer were also registered. In an effort to deal with the threat of cancer in the country, various actions including aspects of prevention, early detection, treatment and palliative care have been and are being implemented. All residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the free cancer screening services provided.
The Minister of Health also highlighted that each individual also needs to be responsible for their own health by practicing some measures that can prevent or reduce the risk of cancer including quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke; maintain a healthy weight; practice healthy eating; doing physical activity and obtaining the recommended vaccinations including the HPV vaccine to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
World Cancer Day is celebrated every 4th of February around the world this year with the theme 'United by Unique'. This theme will be maintained until 2027 to remind that every cancer patient has their own unique needs and story.