25/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 25, 2025

26

HEALTH

Rising tide of endometrial cancer in younger women

4,000 FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS AVAILABLE FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN The Phase 7 of Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme, in partnership with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, was launched on Aug 16. This phase aims to provide free mammogram screenings to 4,000 underprivileged women, aged 40 to 65, nationwide, through 17 panel hospitals and clinics nationwide. New to this phase of the programme is a digital self-breast examination kit, which all participants who attend the screening will receive. Building on the success of six previous phases of Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme, which has screened a total of 34,595 women since 2017, the introduction of the digital self-breast examination kit marks a major advancement. It enables women to conduct private, at-home checks and become proactive in their breast health journey. NPRA APPROVES ABRYSVO, MALAYSIA’S FIRST RSV VACCINE TO PROTECT INFANTS, ELDERLY The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency has approved the use of Abrysvo (MAL25036136A2), the first and only bivalent vaccine in Malaysia to be indicated for use in pregnant individuals to help protect their infants from birth up to six months of age, and in older adults, aged 60 and above, to reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a highly contagious seasonal virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While often mistaken for a common cold, RSV can cause serious illness in newborns, older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions. According to the 2023 National Health Morbidity Survey, over 500,000 Malaysian adults live with four chronic conditions, placing them at heightened risk of severe RSV-related complications. Dzulkefly hopes the proposals will be translated by emphasising preventive, promotional and predictive health aspects. “At the same time, it will not lessen our focus on curative hospital-based patient care.” He said MOH wants to focus on population health management, especially in terms of public health, particularly in tackling NCDs. Budget 2026, which will be tabled in Parliament on Oct 10, will continue to adopt the three pillars of the Madani Economy, namely raising the ceiling of national growth, improving the people’s living standards and driving reforms, especially good governance. – Bernama tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and obesity. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said they have held engagement sessions with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and the relevant agencies. “We have introduced several incentives that will enhance our fight against NCDs. InsyaAllah , we await the finance minister II and the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to draft Budget 2026,” he said after officiating the “Guidelines on the Management of Bullying in the Workplace for MOH Personnel” recently. Health Ministry to step up fight against NCDs THE Health Ministry (MOH) hopes the new proposals it submitted to the Finance Ministry will be looked into under Budget 2026, particularly in boosting efforts to

I N Malaysia, endometrial cancer, also known as corpus uteri cancer, has become the fifth most common cancer among women, with a prevalence rate of 5.6%. A worrying shift is emerging as the disease, once considered common in older, postmenopausal women, is increasingly being diagnosed in women under 50. This unexpected rise is not just a statistical anomaly, it is a wake-up call. The implications for younger women are profound as they grapple with the dual challenges of preserving their fertility and battling a disease they never expected to face so early in life. Alarming trend among younger women Endometrial cancer, like many other cancers, can be silent in its early stages. However, there are some key symptoms that women should be aware of, regardless of age. Abnormal uterine bleeding, either postmenopausal bleeding or abnormal bleeding, is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer. Other symptoms include pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss and difficulty or pain during urination or intercourse or unusual vaginal discharge. There is a growing number of younger patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer, with more cases in women under 50, and even some in their early 30s. This shift is alarming because it impacts not only the patient’s health but also their fertility, which is often a significant concern for this age group. The reasons behind this trend are complex. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and hormonal imbalances, particularly those associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are thought to be significant risk o Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hormonal imbalance could be to blame

therapy might be an option for young women who want to maintain their fertility. However, it requires careful monitoring as it can sometimes control the cancer long enough for women to have children. As treatment options for endometrial cancer advance, robotic-assisted surgery in gynecologic oncology enables precise removal of cancerous tissue while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. Robotic-assisted surgery offers greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery, resulting in less scarring, reduced pain and a quicker return to normal activities for women of all ages. Early detection, awareness Given the rise in cases among younger women, early detection and awareness are more critical than ever. Regular gynaecological check-ups are important, especially for women with risk factors such as obesity, PCOS or a family history of cancer. Endometrial cancer is no longer a disease confined to older women. The rising incidence among younger women is a call to action for the medical community and the public. With advancements such as robotic surgery, there is hope for effective treatment with fewer side effects. However, early detection remains the key to preserving fertility and ensuring the best possible outcomes. For younger women, being vigilant about their reproductive health and seeking medical advice at the first sign of abnormal symptoms could make all the difference. Awareness and timely intervention are best tools in the fight against endometrial cancer. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and gynae-oncologist Dr Andi Anggeriana Binti Andi Asri.

factors due to their contribution to the rise of estrogen levels in the body that can thicken the uterine lining, which could be causing this trend. These younger women even often come for fertility consultations or hormonal imbalances, only to discover they have endometrial cancer. This revelation can be devastating, as it often comes when they are planning or have just started their families. Impact on fertility, quality of life Endometrial cancer, particularly in its early stages, can sometimes be treated with fertility-sparing options. However, the treatment plan depends on the stage and grade of the tumour. For women who are diagnosed early, there is a possibility to preserve the uterus and manage the cancer with hormonal therapy. Yet, this approach requires careful monitoring and carries risks, including the potential for cancer recurrence. For those who are unable to preserve their fertility, the emotional and psychological toll can be significant. Many of these women have not yet started or completed their families, and the diagnosis can be devastating. The loss of fertility often adds to the emotional burden of the cancer diagnosis, making comprehensive support systems crucial for these patients. Treatment options, recent advancements The treatment of endometrial cancer is personalised based on the individual’s condition, including the cancer’s stage and grade, the patient’s age and their desire to preserve fertility. The primary treatment is surgery, which involves a total hysterectomy and the potential removal of lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiation based on the cancer stage. Additionally, there are targeted therapies with drugs. For early-stage cancer, hormonal

BR I E F S

Endometrial cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in women under 50.