Endometrial cancer rising among Malaysian women under 35
This has been linked to lifestyle changes, metabolic diseases, and obesity, with cases increasingly being reported in women as young as their early 30s.

While cervical and ovarian cancer rates in Malaysia have remained steady for over two decades, the prevalence of endometrial cancer among younger women is on the rise, raising concerns among medical experts.
This alarming trend has been linked to lifestyle changes, metabolic diseases, and obesity, with cases increasingly being reported in women as young as their early 30s.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, Prince Court Medical Centre Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) specialist Dr Vigneswaran Ramakrishnan stressed the need for awareness of reproductive cancers in women, which include cancers of the cervix, ovary, vulva, vagina, and endometrium.
"Cancers of the vulva and vagina are relatively rare, but the most common reproductive cancers are those of the cervix, ovary, and endometrium. Historically, endometrial cancer was seen predominantly in women above 50. However, we now see cases in women as young as 30 to 35, which was almost unheard of 20 years ago," he said.
Dr Vigneswaran pointed out that while the prevalence of cervical and ovarian cancers has remained consistent over the last 25 years, the incidence of endometrial cancer has risen significantly among younger women.
"Previously, most cases were in women aged 45 and above, but now I see five to ten cases in women under 35 every year. This is particularly concerning because it reflects changing societal and health patterns," he explained.
He said this trend is not unique to Malaysia but is also seen in developed countries since in urban populations, endometrial cancer has become the leading reproductive cancer, surpassing cervical and ovarian cancers.
For cervical cancer, Dr Vigneswaran said the primary risk factor is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners.
"Cervical cancer is 95 per cent caused by HPV infection, so practicing safe sex and getting the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the risk," he advised.
Endometrial cancer, on the other hand, is closely associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
"If you are obese, you have diabetes, hypertension then probably your risk is a bit more compared to those who are more active.
"It's worth noting that genetic factors also play a role. If you have a family history of bowel, ovarian, or breast cancer, you might carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which increases your cancer risk," he explained.
The expert further emphasised the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes in addressing the growing burden of reproductive cancers.
As reproductive cancers continue to pose a significant health challenge, experts urge young women to take proactive steps to safeguard their reproductive health.
By fostering awareness, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and prioritizing early detection, Malaysia can work towards reversing this concerning trend.
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