Klang, 31 March 2026 – In conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, BIG CARING Group has partnered with the Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Society Malaysia (CORUM) to expand access to early colorectal cancer screening across the country, targeting 10,000 eligible individuals through selected community pharmacies and outreach initiatives.
The initiative was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARING Group, and Dato’ Dr Meheshinder Singh, President of CORUM. It also aligns with Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan for Colorectal Cancer (2021–2025), which aims to increase national screening coverage and improve early detection through wider access to screening.
The partnership aims to improve early screening participation among Malaysians aged 45 to 75 by making immunochemical faecal Occult Blood (iFOBT) self-test kits more accessible through selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy stores, as well as community engagement activities.
The iFOBT is a simple, non-invasive screening test that can be completed at home and is recommended by the Ministry of Health for colorectal cancer screening. Through this partnership, the cost of the test kits will be subsidised to make screening more affordable.
Chong Yeow Siang, Chief Operating Officer of BIG CARING Group said, “This initiative reflects the Group’s belief that community pharmacies can play a meaningful role in strengthening preventive healthcare. Community pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare touchpoint within neighbourhoods. At BIG CARING Group, we are intentional about using our pharmacy network to make important health services more visible and accessible to the communities we serve.”
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia, yet more than 70% of cases are diagnosed at later stages when treatment outcomes are significantly poorer. Early detection plays a critical role in improving survival, as the disease is among the most preventable and treatable cancers when identified early.
Screening plays an important role in this, as colorectal cancer often begins with small growths in the intestine known as polyps, that can potentially become cancerous. When detected and removed early, these can be treated before cancer develops.
“Through this partnership with CORUM, we hope to bring colorectal cancer screening closer to where people live and seek everyday health advice. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes with over 90% of survival rate, yet screening rates remain low. By making the iFOBT self-test kits more accessible and affordable through our pharmacies, while also guiding individuals on the next steps where needed, we hope to encourage more Malaysians to take that first step towards screening,” added Chong.
Dato’ Dr Meheshinder Singh, President of CORUM shared that most colorectal cancer patients present at advanced stages of the disease. In fact, up to 70% of those who develop symptoms are already in Stage III or IV at diagnosis. This underscores the critical need to strongly advocate for screening. Effective screening allows us to detect colorectal cancer early – often before any symptoms appear – when treatment outcomes are significantly better.”
“Last year, together with BIG CARING Group, we piloted a community-based screening effort within Selangor that distributed 400 test kits through pharmacies and outreach activities. The encouraging response showed us that when screening is made accessible in familiar community settings, people are more open to taking that first step.”
“Our continued partnership with BIG CARING Group allows us to reach people in everyday community settings throughout Malaysia and help normalise conversations about screening. By expanding access to self test kits and education, we hope more Malaysians will understand that screening is simple, non-invasive and could ultimately save lives,” added Dato’ Dr Meheshinder Singh.
Under the collaboration, BIG CARING Group will serve as the community access point for the initiative, making colorectal screening self-test iFOBT kits available through selected BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy stores while supporting outreach, public education and participant engagement with the community. Pharmacists will also provide basic guidance on the use of the self-test kits and advise participants on the next steps should further medical follow-up be required.
CORUM will contribute to the initiative through advocacy, community mobilisation and psychosocial support within its network of patients, survivors and healthcare partners, helping to encourage participation in colorectal cancer screening while supporting the monitoring of programme outcomes.
Support will also be extended to underserved cancer patients through BIG CARING Group’s flagship cancer care program – Ribbon of Hope. Assistance such as rehabilitation equipment loans, including wheelchair, hospital bed and oxygen concentrators as well as care packs will be provided for eligible B40 cancer patients.
Beyond screening access, the collaboration also offers support to newly diagnosed patients in their care journey. Patients identified by CORUM will be able to receive aid and special discounts in regards to stoma care products from BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy stores until 31 December 2026, subject to terms and product availability.
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