Science Drives Everything
With 25,000 clinical researchers testing every day and cutting-edge innovations, our science holds the cure
Over the past decade, we have taken bold new approaches to translate scientific research into effective medicines for people living with cancer. Now, we are working tirelessly to develop a new generation of breakthroughs across multiple cancers and tumour types1.
#UNPAUSE lives that are touched by metastatic breast cancer
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer, with more than 2.2 million impacted annually1. Metastatic breast cancer (mBC), the most advanced stage of breast cancer in which the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body (i.e., organs, bones), remains an incurable disease1. Even when diagnosed at an early stage, up to 30 percent of women with early breast cancer will eventually progress to metastatic disease 2.
At Pfizer, we understand that a mBC diagnosis may feel overwhelming but please know that you are not alone. In 2020, the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA), supported by Pfizer launched #UNPAUSE, a community initiative to rally mBC patients to live life to the fullest, raise the awareness of mBC among the public, as well as avert treatment disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The #UNPAUSE campaign introduced Malaysia’s first-ever digital mBC patient guide called “Me & mBC”, which simplifies complex medical information for patients, their loved ones, and caregivers. The patient guide was developed to answer the most urgent questions an mBC patient or caregiver may have on diagnosis, treatment, and coping with daily life.
The “Me & mBC” patient guide is also available in audiobook format as an alternative for the public. Listen to the audiobook or visit Thrive Malaysia to learn more about mBC, its treatment options, support groups, financial assistance, and the #UNPAUSE campaign.
Empowering patients & the lung cancer community to #KeepBreathing
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Malaysia and nearly 95% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease3. However, despite the high incidences, lung cancer awareness remains limited in Malaysia, which contributes to the late-stage presentation in a majority of cases4.
It is important to know that lung cancer patients have more treatment options these days and a far greater chance of survival when detected early5. Innovations in lung cancer treatments mean people may live longer and with better quality of lives, even when their disease is advanced6.
In line with our mission to improve the lives of cancer patients with innovative therapies and breakthroughs for cancer care7, we are focused on supporting the needs of all who are impacted by cancer. Our commitment to delivering patient-centric solutions extend to partnering with key stakeholders to develop educational, emotional, and psychosocial resources to improve patients’ lives.
In 2021, Pfizer supported Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) in developing Malaysia’s first-ever digital lung cancer patient guide to empower society-at-large with the knowledge to recognise early warning signs and symptoms, understand indications for screening, make informed choices, as well as counter stigma and misconceptions about the disease and its treatments.
The patient guide was developed as a digital resource to improve health literacy on lung cancer among Malaysians as well as to facilitate better communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Available in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Chinese, the patient guide includes easy-to-understand information about lung cancer with ample illustrations to enhance comprehension.
We hope this guide will help demystify the disease and empower patients to make informed decisions and appropriate choices on their cancer journey, with guidance from their doctor.
It is also vital for patients to have access to medical advances and explore all possible avenues. In Malaysia, there are several financing options that support lung cancer patients such as SOCSO, EPF, insurance1, and patient assistance programmes. Patients are advised to consult their doctor to learn more about the type of support and financial help available including patient assistance programmes.
Me and Metastatic Breast Cancer Handbook
Patient’s Guide to Lung Cancer
1 Pfizer website. Science. Areas of focus. Oncology. Education Information. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.pfizer.com/science/focus-areas/oncology
2 Redig, A. J., & McAllister, S. S. (2013). Breast cancer as a systemic disease: a view of metastasis. Journal of internal medicine, 274(2), 113–126. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12084
3 Malaysia National Cancer Registry (MNCR). Report 2012 – 2016, Published 2019. Page 54. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BuPWrb05N2Jez6sEP8VM5r6JtJtlPN5W/view
4 Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Editorial: Lung Cancer Worldwide | Volume 15, Issue 3, P317-323, March 01, 2020. Lung Cancer in Malaysia. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.jto.org/article/S1556-0864(19)33639-1/fulltext
5 Lung Cancer Foundation of America. How to detect lung cancer: Early detection and beyond. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://lcfamerica.org/lung-cancer-info/detect-lung-cancer/#:~:text=When%20detected%20early%2C%20lung%20cancer,55%20out%20of%20every%20100
6 Health Central. The Future Is Bright for Lung Cancer Treatments. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/lung-cancer-new-treatments
7 Pfizer. Cancer Drug Development Pipeline. Last accessed: 2 April 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.pfizer.com/science/oncology-cancer/pipeline.
8 Jaafar, Safurah & Mohamad Noh, Kamaliah & Abd Muttalib, Khairiyah & Othman, Nour & Healy, Malaysia. (2013). Malaysia Health System Review, Health Systems in Transition” Vol. 3 No. 1 2013. Last accessed: 25 August 2021.