From left to right — Kolonel Bersekutu Prof Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, MD, NCSM, Mohammad Nizar Idris , Chairman, MCIS Life, Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President, NCSM, Prasheem Seebran, Chief Executive Officer, MCIS Life, at the launch of the Microinsurance for Lung Cancer under the National Lung Health Initiative
PETALING JAYA, Oct 3: MCIS Insurance Berhad (MCIS Life) has teamed up with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) to introduce LungShield, a comprehensive lung screening package combining AI- assisted screening with financial support to support Malaysians at risk of lung cancer.
MCIS Life CEO Prasheem Seebran (pic) said the initiative brings together medical expertise and insurance protection to make early detection more accessible.
“LungShield reflects the power of collaboration, combining NCSM’s expertise in cancer prevention and screening with MCIS Life’s commitment to financial support for early detection and diagnosis,”he said. “Together, we are enabling more Malaysians to take proactive steps for their lung health, ensuring they have both the means to detect early and the confidence to face the journey ahead.”
MCIS Life, he said, has been protecting Malaysians since 1954, and “LungShield is our latest meaningful initiative in expanding the legacy with innovative solutions that combine care, technology and financial support.”
The NCSM LungShield initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health and recently officiated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Haji Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, comes at a crucial time when lung cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge.
The Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021 shows that lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and the third most common among women.
Despite its prevalence, many cases are still diagnosed only at advanced stages, resulting in lower survival chances and heavier financial and healthcare burdens.
LungShield is a lung cancer screening and diagnostic package that combines AI-assisted chest X-ray screening by NCSM with LungLife, a complementary insurance protection to support screenings required throughout the cancer detection journey.
“Early detection through this technology offers individuals the best chance for timely and effective treatment,” said Prasheem.
Beyond screening, the package provides a complete diagnostic pathway — from the initial chest X-ray to advanced staging using Computed Tomography of the Thorax, Abdomen, and Pelvis (CT TAP) and immunohistochemistry, ensuring patients receive clear and accurate results.
To reduce the financial strain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, LungShield also includes complementary insurance plan through LungLife. This offers coverage of up to RM10,000 for one year, easing the cost of screening and diagnostic services while giving individuals peace of mind.
Priced at RM129 for the first 10,000 sign-ups, the LungShield package, valued at RM10,000, offers Malaysians an affordable way to access comprehensive lung health screening and diagnosis.
After the early bird phase, the package will be available at its full price of RM179, enabling more Malaysians to take charge of their lung health proactively.
Dzulkefly said the initiative was timely and in line with the national health agenda.
“Lung cancer is among the leading causes of cancer deaths in Malaysia, mainly due to late detection.
Affordable and accessible programmes like LungShield can save lives and ease the strain on ourhealthcare system,” he said.
Meanwhile, NCSM managing director Kol. Bersekutu (Civil Defence) Prof. Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said that the programme was designed to address both medical and financial challenges.
“Our mission at NCSM has always been to ensure that no Malaysian is left behind in the fight against cancer. With LungShield, we are providing cutting-edge tools for early detection alongside financial support to ease the journey of those at risk,” he said.
Registration for NCSM LungShield is now open. For more information, visit www.lungshield.cancer.org.my
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