OncoCare Malaysia and DOBBS Community have joined forces to introduce the GP Onco Navigator Programme, recognising the critical role general practitioners (GPs) play in identifying potential cancer warning signs and connecting patients with specialist oncology care. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between primary care and cancer specialists, supporting more informed clinical decisions and timely referrals when further assessment is needed.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a significant cancer burden in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, nearly two-thirds (64.8%) of cancer cases with recorded staging information were diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage III or IV), highlighting the importance of improving cancer awareness, timely medical assessment and access to appropriate specialist care.
Built around three core pillars – clinically relevant education for general practitioners (GPs), an accessible digital cancer information platform and stronger referral pathways – the programme seeks to establish a more connected approach to cancer care in Malaysia, where doctors are better equipped, patients are better informed and access to specialist care is easier to navigate.
Equipping GPs with Specialist Oncology Knowledge
Between April and June 2026, OncoCare Malaysia and DOBBS Community conducted a series of five educational webinars covering breast cancer in early and advanced disease, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and colorectal cancer.
Presented by OncoCare oncologists and Thomson Hospital surgeons, the sessions attracted more than 600 GP participants, providing opportunities for clinical knowledge-sharing on cancer presentations, assessment considerations, treatment approaches and appropriate specialist referrals.
The initiative builds on DOBBS Community's professional network of approximately 16,000 GPs across Malaysia, creating opportunities for continued engagement between primary care doctors and oncology specialists.
Dr Alan Teh, Founder, DOBBS Community, said: “For many patients, their GP is the first healthcare professional they speak to when something does not feel right. Strengthening oncology awareness at the primary-care level can therefore make a meaningful difference in how quickly a patient moves from noticing a symptom to receiving the appropriate investigation or specialist referral.
“Through this collaboration with OncoCare Malaysia, we want to make cancer awareness more practical for doctors and more accessible for the Malaysian public.”
Empowering the Public Through Digital Cancer Awareness
Complementing the GP education series is the GP Onco Navigator digital platform, developed to provide the public with accessible cancer-related health information and guidance. Available at https://oncocare.dobbs.my/, the platform brings together educational information, guided self-assessment and care navigation covering breast, lung, thyroid and colorectal cancer-related concerns.
By helping individuals better understand potential warning signs and when to seek professional medical advice, the platform aims to encourage informed and timely action.
The platform serves as an educational resource and does not replace professional medical assessment or diagnosis.
Strengthening the Pathway from Primary to Specialist Cancer Care
Through the OncoCare GP Partnership Programme, participating GP clinics can become OncoCare Partner Clinics, facilitating referrals for specialist oncology assessment and multidisciplinary care where clinically appropriate.
The collaboration also enables patients to be referred back to participating GP clinics for suitable supportive and follow-up services, such as wound care and booster injections, while remaining connected to their oncology team.
Dr Wong Shin Yee, General Manager, OncoCare Malaysia, said: “Early recognition of potential cancer warning signs and timely access to specialist assessment are important parts of cancer care. However, effective cancer management also requires coordination between healthcare professionals at different stages of the patient's journey.
“Through the GP Onco Navigator Programme, we are bringing together GP education, public awareness and closer collaboration with oncology specialists. Our vision is to build a more connected cancer care ecosystem where GPs are better equipped, patients are better informed and access to appropriate specialist care is easier to navigate.”
As the GP Onco Navigator Programme develops, OncoCare Malaysia and DOBBS Community will continue to build on the foundation established through GP education, digital resources and closer clinical collaboration, with the aim of strengthening the role of primary care within Malaysia's wider cancer care landscape.
