OBJECTIVES: Cancer screening testing has many modalities, however, not all cancer screening tests are cheap nor provided free by the government. Furthermore, little is known about individuals’ willingness to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing in Malaysia. The objective of this research was to determine the willingness to undergo and pay for cancer genetic testing among Malaysian population.

METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a total of 641 cancer patients and their family members in the oncology and day care units in a few government hospitals.

RESULTS: Out of all respondents, 267 (41.7%) were willing to undergo cancer genetic testing. Ninety eight (15.3%) of respondents were willing to pay out of pocket with median MYR 200 and 143 (22.3%) respondents were willing to pay shared with insurance. Regression analysis identified independent predictors of WTP as respondents’ status, education level and willingness to undergo cancer screening in general while gender and level of education particularly in patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Mass education for importance of cancer genetic testing as well as cost-sharing practices in Malaysia is required to increase early detection and early treatment of cancer.