When most people think about scientists, they imagine lab coats, test tubes and probably some mice. You know, the classic image. Someone with a brilliant mind in a lab, busy with experiments that could one day save the world.

But what if we told you that some of the most impactful work in cancer research actually happens outside the lab? Yup, you read that right. Away from the microscopes, petri dishes, pipettes and incubators.

That’s where the Cancer Prevention and Population Science (CPPS) Unit at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) comes in. They’re developing risk assessment tools, improving screening strategies and designing prevention programmes. All aimed at helping Malaysians detect cancer earlier and reduce their chances of developing it.

To find out more, we had a chat with the CPPS Unit’s Deputy Head, Dr Tai Mei Chee, who gave us an inside look at the team’s work and why it matters.

1. How would you describe the Cancer Prevention and Population Science (CPPS) Unit to someone who’s never heard of it?

We’re what’s called a “dry lab.” That means we don’t run experiments with test tubes or tissue samples. Instead, we work with data to study cancer risk and prevention. Our role is to help people understand their personal risk and give them the tools to take charge of their health.

We create personalised risk prediction models using information from genetics, lifestyle choices, and even mammogram images. We also explore cost-effective screening strategies and research how nutrition can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. The goal is to turn scientific research into real-world tools that enable early detection.

2. What made YOU choose this field, and how did you end up at CRMY?

It’s personal for me. I lost my grandfather to stage 4 cancer. Watching him go through that and knowing it might have been preventable if detected earlier, really left a mark on me. That experience made me want to do something about it, not just to treat cancer but to stop it before it starts.

I pursued my PhD in Japan and later did my postdoctoral work in the United States. Deep down I always knew I wanted to return and use what I’d learnt to make a difference here at home. That’s what brought me to CRMY. Now, I get to work on research that doesn’t just stay in journals. It actually reaches people and helps them.

3. Who’s in the CPPS Unit and what does everyone do?

We currently have six team members with expertise across various fields including genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, and implementation science. Here’s a quick look at what each of them brings:

The CPPS Unit brings together a diverse team of scientists and researchers whose collective expertise spans genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and nutrition. This multidisciplinary approach is what allows the team to tackle cancer prevention from all angles—whether it’s developing risk prediction tools, evaluating lifestyle and dietary factors, or improving prevention.

Led by Dr Tai Mei Chee (me), the team includes Professor Dr Ho Weang-Kee, Dr Ang Boon Hong, Dr Shivaani Mariapun, Dr Loo Yen Chi, and Wong Zhi Lei. Each member contributes their unique strengths, from building data-driven models to engaging with communities and healthcare professionals. Together, their goal is clear: to turn science into impact and empower more Malaysians to detect and prevent cancer earlier.

4. What does a typical day look like for the CPPS team?

It really varies depending on our roles. For those working with data and research, a typical day might involve looking at health records, survey results or genetic information to find patterns that can help predict who is more likely to develop cancer.

Our nutrition researchers are busy analysing dietary patterns, testing biomarkers and running trials. Regardless of our focus, we all share the same mission, which is turning data into meaningful solutions for cancer prevention.

5. What are some of the challenges your department faces in cancer prevention research, and how do you overcome them?

We face two big hurdles; limited local data and a shortage of multidisciplinary specialists. Many existing cancer risk prediction tools and prevention strategies are developed using data from Western populations, which may not accurately reflect the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors relevant to Asian communities. This mismatch can result in under- or over-estimation of risk and less effective prevention strategies. To address this, we’ve built one of Southeast Asia’s largest breast cancer research databases and partnered with key hospitals including Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA), and Ampang Hospital.

To ensure that data from Asian populations are represented in global studies, we collaborate with trusted international consortia such as the Breast Cancer Association Consortium and the Confluence Project. These collaborations help improve research tools so they are more applicable to Asian populations, while maintaining strict ethical and data protection standards. Importantly, they also facilitate knowledge transfer, allowing us to build our own Asian-specific tools tailored to our population. Our goal is to improve outcomes for local patients through better, more inclusive research. These partnerships are essential for advancing science that reflects the diversity of the global population.

Our Cancer Prevention and Population Science (CPPS) team brings together researchers from these different disciplines to develop culturally appropriate, evidence-based prevention strategies. Active international collaboration strengthens our team’s expertise through continuous learning and exchange. In parallel, we also invest in training the next generation of scientists to strengthen local capacity in Malaysia.

6. What collaborations does CPPS have with other science units within CRMY?

We work closely with various teams across Cancer Research Malaysia to make sure our prevention research is robust and applicable in real-world settings. These collaborations strengthen everything from risk prediction to communication and early detection strategies:

• Core Lab: Their expertise in biobanking, including collecting and processing biological samples, underpins the reliability of our genetic and biomarker research. Without this accurate, high-quality data, our risk prediction models wouldn’t be as robust or trustworthy. Their work ensures our science has a solid foundation.
• Genetic Counselling: Our counsellors are on the front lines, helping patients to understand their personal cancer risk. They make use of the tools that we develop, such as the Asian Risk Calculator (ARiCa). Through their direct patient interactions, they provide invaluable feedback that helps us refine these tools to be more relevant and effective.
• Genomics & Bioinformatics: This team specialises in analysing tumour genomic data and identifying potential treatment strategies tailored to cancer patients. By integrating tumour genomic, genetic, lifestyle and clinical information, this helps us uncover key patterns and biological mechanisms that drive cancer development. Their insights are crucial for building accurate risk models and informing personalised prevention or treatment strategies.
• Community Outreach: Experts in implementation and community engagement, this team plays a vital role in making sure our communication is clear and culturally appropriate. With their deep understanding of community needs and cultural nuances, they help us design communication strategies that inspire meaningful behavioural change. Their work bridges the gap between complex science and actionable health advice.

7. Can you share some of CPPS Unit’s achievements or breakthroughs?

Our research is helping to make breast cancer prevention and early detection more personalised and relevant for Asian women. We’ve shown that mammographic density and lifestyle factors behave differently in Asian women compared to Western populations, highlighting the need for tools and strategies that are tailored to our region. That’s exactly what our team is working on.

We’ve developed Asian-specific risk prediction tools based on genetic information that estimate a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. With this information, women can make informed decisions about how often they should get screened. We also built a tool that estimates the likelihood of carrying a BRCA gene mutation. This helps women decide whether to undergo genetic testing and take preventive steps if needed.

In addition, we are studying nutrients commonly found in Asian diets, such as soy isoflavones and palm oil-derived tocotrienols, to understand their potential role in cancer prevention. By focusing on locally relevant and affordable options, we aim to offer more accessible ways for women to reduce their cancer risk.
Our research is helping to make breast cancer prevention and early detection more personalised and relevant for Asian women.

8. What are CPPS’s goals for the next few years?

We want every woman to know her personal risk of breast cancer and feel confident in what steps to take next. We’re also improving how we talk about risk, especially when it comes to fear and misinformation, by using clear and culturally relevant ways to communicate.
We’re expanding our research to other cancers like ovarian and endometrial, and finding ways to apply our tools in different communities. On the nutrition front, we’re working on simple and practical guidelines based on local eating habits that make prevention easier to follow.

9. What advice would you give to aspiring researchers or those interested in a career in cancer research?

Stay curious and don’t stop learning. Research isn’t just about finding the right answers, it’s about asking the right questions as well. Be prepared for any challenges because sometimes it can be slow, frustrating and full of dead ends, but that’s part of the journey.
Multiple fields can also contribute to cancer prevention. Cancer prevention needs a mix of people with different skills like statisticians, behavioural scientists, geneticists and communicators. There’s space for everyone. Most importantly, remember who you are doing this for. Whether it’s someone you love or someone you’ve never met, your work has the power to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Did you know you can support Dr Mei Chee and her team’s groundbreaking cancer research prevention by joining our SOS (Support Our Scientist) campaign? Your contribution will bring us closer to new treatments and a future free from the fear of cancer. Donate today and be part of the fight against cancer.