Endometrial Cancer Cases Rising Among Young Women

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Endometrial (corpus uteri) cancer is now the fifth most common cancer among women in Malaysia, with a prevalence rate of 5.6 per cent.

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Gynae-Oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr Andi Anggeriana Andi Asri said the cancer often silent in its early stages, is now increasingly affecting women under 50, including those in their early 30s.

“Abnormal uterine bleeding, either after menopause or irregular bleeding, is the most common symptom of endometrial cancer,” she said in a statement.

She also emphasised other signs which include pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss, pain during urination or intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge.

“These younger women often come for fertility consultations or hormonal imbalance issues, 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,” she said.

Dr Andi Anggeriana said the trend is concerning as it affects both health and fertility, with obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and hormonal imbalances, especially those linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being potential contributing factors due to elevated estrogen levels that may thicken the uterine lining.

She noted that if diagnosed early, endometrial cancer may be treated with fertility-sparing options, depending 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,” she said, adding that this approach requires close monitoring and carries a risk of recurrence.

For those unable to preserve their fertility, the emotional toll can be significant, as many have not yet started or completed their families, making the diagnosis especially difficult.

On treatment options and recent advancements, Dr Andi Anggeriana said care 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, involving a total hysterectomy and possibly the removal of lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on the cancer stage.

Dr Andi Anggeriana said that that in addition to standard treatments, targeted drug therapies are also available.

She also emphasised the importance of regular gynaecological check-ups, particularly for women with risk factors such as obesity, PCOS, or a family history of cancer.

While robotic-assisted surgery offers effective treatment with fewer side effects, she stressed that early detection remains key to preserving fertility and improving outcomes.

“Young women need to stay vigilant about their reproductive health and seek medical advice at the first sign of abnormal symptoms. Awareness and timely intervention are our best tools in the fight against endometrial cancer. The earlier, the better, so you can live a longer and fuller life,” she said.

-- BERNAMA

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