Breast, colorectal, and lung cancers continue to top the list of Malaysia’s most commonly diagnosed cancers, but oncologists are increasingly concerned about a growing number of younger patients.
Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Malwinder Singh Sandhu noted a worrying shift in age demographics. “We used to see most cases among patients in their 60s and 70s, but now more individuals in their 40s and 50s are being diagnosed,” he said, pointing to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and high-risk behaviours as contributing factors.
The overall rise in cancer cases is also partly due to improved and more widespread screening programs. “Each year, case numbers increase as national registries reflect better detection. Screening allows us to catch some cases earlier, which improves outcomes,” he added.
However, Dr Malwinder highlighted a significant gap between private and public healthcare. Patients in private hospitals are often diagnosed earlier, while those in government facilities tend to present at later stages. This disparity is largely influenced by socioeconomic factors.
“Those in the private sector usually have higher socioeconomic status, better health awareness, and easier access to information. In contrast, patients in government hospitals often come from lower-income groups with limited knowledge, leading to delayed detection,” he explained.
Financial challenges are another barrier. Rising insurance premiums mean some patients exhaust their coverage midway through treatment, forcing them to transfer to public hospitals, further straining resources.
“Fear and misinformation also play a role. Many avoid seeking help due to cancer anxiety, and myths—like the false belief that biopsies can spread cancer—prevent timely diagnosis,” Dr Malwinder said.
Despite concerns, he stressed that effective cancer treatment remains accessible and affordable. “Older treatments and generic medicines are still highly effective, and government healthcare ensures care for those with limited means,” he added.
Prevention, according to Dr Malwinder, depends on a “triple threat” approach: vaccination, lifestyle changes, and early detection. The HPV vaccine, for example, has successfully reduced cervical cancer cases, but Malaysia’s high obesity rates remain a major risk factor for cancer development and recurrence.
While genetics and environmental exposure contribute to cancer risk, Dr Malwinder’s advice for World Cancer Day is clear: “Early detection saves lives, reduces treatment intensity, and lowers costs. A stage-one breast cancer patient may only require surgery, while stage three could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Regular screening is vital—don’t wait until it’s too late.”
