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[This article belongs to Volume - 58, Issue - 02]

Abstract : Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, with Malaysia facing an alarming increase in cancer incidence, exacerbated by a shortage of oncologists, geographic disparities, and late-stage diagnoses. The review examines the critical issue of the oncologist shortfall in Malaysia, where over 50,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, yet only 120 oncologists serve a population of over 30 million. The shortage worsens in rural areas, contributing to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment outcomes. The review aims to identify the multifaceted causes of the shortfall, explore the impact on healthcare access, and propose strategies for addressing the crisis. Novel solutions include expanding training programs for oncologists, enhancing telemedicine, and increasing healthcare resource allocation. Methods include a systematic review of recent literature and data extraction from peer-reviewed studies on oncology, radiotherapy, and theranostics, published in 2024. Results indicate that Malaysia’s oncologist ratio is far below the World Health Organization's recommendation, leading to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in rural areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions and greater equity in healthcare access. The discussion highlights the urgent necessity for expanding the oncology workforce and leveraging technology to bridge access gaps. The review concludes with the recommendation for comprehensive healthcare reforms, including improved training, telehealth solutions, and government incentives to attract oncologists to underserved areas. Limitations include the lack of long-term data on the effectiveness of proposed interventions. Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of these strategies on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.