Cancer Treatment in Penang

Specialist cancer hospital care on the coast at Tanjung Bungah

Quick Answer

How good is cancer treatment in Penang?

Penang has a dedicated specialist cancer hospital, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology (IMRT), surgical oncology, palliative care, and cancer screening. Island Hospital (MSQH-accredited) also has a comprehensive oncology department. Treatment follows international oncology guidelines, usually at lower cost than in Western countries; ask for a written estimate based on your diagnosis.

Featured: Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital

A not-for-profit specialist cancer hospital that opened in 1976, guided by the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. Mount Miriam combines advanced oncology with compassionate care. Features linear accelerators, IMRT radiotherapy, and a dedicated palliative care unit with a beachside setting.

Mount Miriam is on the coast at Tanjung Bungah, away from George Town traffic. Radiotherapy can mean daily sessions for several weeks, so ask the hospital how long your course will be and look at hotels nearby before you book.

View hospital details

Location

Tanjung Bungah

Type

Specialist Cancer Centre

Languages

English, Mandarin, Malay, Hokkien

Oncology Services Available

Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy administered by specialist medical oncologists. Personalised treatment protocols based on tumour profiling and international guidelines.

Radiation Oncology

Advanced radiation therapy including Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) using linear accelerators. Precise tumour targeting that minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Surgical Oncology

Cancer surgery by experienced surgical oncologists. Minimally invasive techniques available where appropriate, reducing recovery time and post-operative complications.

Palliative Care

Dedicated palliative care unit focused on symptom management, pain relief, and quality of life. Compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Cancer Screening

Comprehensive cancer screening packages for early detection. Includes imaging, blood markers, endoscopy, and specialist consultations. Results typically available same day.

Also Available: Island Hospital Oncology

Island Hospital

Georgetown | ACHS, MSQH, MHTC Flagship 2025

Island Hospital, Penang's largest private hospital and MHTC Flagship 2025, offers comprehensive oncology services as part of its 25+ medical specialties. With 600 beds, robotic surgery capabilities, and proton therapy, Island Hospital provides an alternative for patients seeking oncology care within a multi-specialty hospital setting.

View hospital details

Why Choose Penang for Cancer Treatment?

Specialist Centre

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is a dedicated specialist cancer centre — not a general hospital with an oncology department. Every resource, facility, and staff member is focused on cancer care.

Beachside Location

Located in Tanjung Bungah with ocean views and beach access, away from George Town traffic. Useful if you will be here for several weeks of daily treatment.

Compassionate Care

A not-for-profit hospital guided by the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, with a dedicated palliative care unit.

Treatment Types & Duration

Swipe sideways for all columns

Treatment	Duration	Notes
Chemotherapy	Varies by protocol (typically 3-6 months)	Outpatient treatment with day-stay facilities. Multiple cycles with rest periods between.
Radiation Therapy (IMRT)	Set by your care team	Some people have one session each weekday. The treatment itself usually takes a few minutes. A course that runs for weeks needs long-stay accommodation nearby.
Surgical Oncology	Procedure-dependent (1-14 days hospital stay)	Minimally invasive techniques available. Recovery time varies by cancer type and stage.
Palliative Care	Ongoing as needed	Inpatient or outpatient. Focus on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life.
Cancer Screening	1-2 days	Comprehensive packages available. Same-day results for most tests.

Recovery Environment & Accommodation

Beachside Setting

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is in Tanjung Bungah, a quieter coastal area north of George Town. If you are here for a course of radiation therapy, staying nearby keeps the daily trip short.

Patients and families can reach the beach and the sea front between sessions. Ask your care team how active you can expect to be during your treatment.

M Social Resort Penang (formerly Copthorne Orchid)

Tanjung Bungah (Beachside)

One of the closest hotels to Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, in a quiet beachside area of Tanjung Bungah. If your radiotherapy course runs for weeks, ask the hotel directly about weekly or monthly rates before you book.

Ask for long-stay rates

5 min drive to Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital

Beachfront access (Azure Wing)318 rooms across two wingsRenovated and reopened in 2025

Long-Stay Considerations

A radiation therapy course can mean weekday sessions for several weeks, so plan your stay once your care team has set the number of sessions. An extended stay needs some planning:

Accommodation

•Ask hotels near Mount Miriam, such as M Social Resort Penang in Tanjung Bungah, about weekly or monthly rates
•Serviced apartments in Tanjung Bungah available for extended stays
•Mount Miriam's International Patient Desk can assist with accommodation arrangements

Practical Matters

•Malaysian social visit pass allows stays up to 90 days for most nationalities
•Hospital can provide visa support letter for extended medical stay if needed
•Companion travel recommended — Penang offers activities and attractions for family members during treatment days

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cancer are treated at Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital?

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital treats all major cancer types including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia. As a dedicated specialist cancer centre, they offer the full spectrum of oncology services: medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapy), radiation oncology (IMRT), surgical oncology, palliative care, and comprehensive cancer screening.

How does radiation therapy work for international patients?

Your care team decides how many radiation therapy sessions you need; some people have one each weekday. If your course runs for weeks, arrange long-stay accommodation near Mount Miriam. M Social Resort Penang (formerly the Copthorne Orchid) in Tanjung Bungah is about 5 minutes away; ask hotels directly about weekly or monthly rates. The treatment itself usually takes a few minutes, leaving most of the day free.

Is Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital accredited?

We could not confirm a current accreditation. Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is not on the national register of hospitals accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), and it is not listed as a member of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). We checked both on 22 September 2026. Accreditation can lapse and be renewed, so ask the hospital for its current certificates before you commit to treatment. Island Hospital, which also treats cancer, is on the MSQH register.

What are the costs of cancer treatment in Penang compared to other countries?

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cancer surgery usually cost less than in Singapore, the UK or the US. Exact costs depend on cancer type, stage, and treatment protocol. Contact Mount Miriam or Island Hospital directly for personalised cost estimates based on your diagnosis.

Can I get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis in Penang?

Yes. Both Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital and Island Hospital offer second opinion consultations for international patients. You can share your medical records, imaging, and pathology reports in advance for review by their oncology team. Initial teleconsultations are available before travelling to Penang. This allows you to confirm your diagnosis and understand treatment options before committing to travel.