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Breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer in women, is often thought to affect older women, but in Malaysia and across Asia, more younger women are being diagnosed – many at later stages – due to late detection.
With the number of cases rising – awareness, effective screening, early detection, and excellence in therapy are critical to saving lives.
Early detection through regular self-examinations and timely screenings can make all the difference.
While breast cancer is often seen as a disease affecting older women, more younger women in Malaysia are being diagnosed at later stages—when treatment is more challenging, costs are higher, and the prognosis is poorer.
According to the 2017-2021 National Cancer Registry Report, 1 in 23 women are at risk for breast cancer, with 50.5% of breast cancer cases detected at stages 3 and 4.
In Asia, breast cancer in young women tends to occur about 10 years earlier than in Western countries. In fact, 52.3% of breast cancer cases in Malaysia occur in women under 49, impacting young mothers, working professionals, and women just starting their adult lives.
Unfortunately, many women in this region don’t realise they are at risk.
With cases on the rise, it’s important for young women to undergo regular screening to detect breast cancer early.
Younger women are more likely to carry genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which significantly increase their breast cancer risk. These mutations not only raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer but also influence the type and aggressiveness of the disease.
Young women tend to have denser breast tissue, making tumours more difficult to detect through routine screenings. This often leads to later-stage diagnoses when treatment is more complex.
On average, women in Malaysia present with a lump measuring about 4.2 cm and may delay seeking medical attention for up to three months.
Breast cancer in younger women is more likely to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
Tumours in this age group are often larger, more advanced, and more likely to be hormone receptor-negative or HER2-positive—factors that can make treatment more challenging.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive subtype with limited treatment options, is also more common.
Compared to older women, younger patients face a higher likelihood of cancer recurrence at both five and ten years after treatment. Additionally, cases of metastatic breast cancer in women under 40 have been rising by 3.5% per year from 2004 to 2017 (Breast Cancer Research Foundation).
While breast cancer incidence in younger women remains lower than in older women, the outcomes can be more severe.
Women under 40 are nearly 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than those over 40.
Researchers believe that multiple factors contribute to the increasing rates of breast cancer in younger women, including:
While more research is needed, these trends highlight the urgency of early detection and proactive healthcare.
Regular breast cancer screening saves lives by detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective. It includes routine check-ups with a doctor and imaging tests – ultrasounds for women under 40, and mammograms for women above 40.
Mammogram, the gold standard for screening, can detect tiny lumps as small as one millimeter (1 mm), sometimes years before they develop into a full-blown cancer.
In Hong Kong, where widespread screening programs were implemented, the average detected lump size decreased from 4.2 cm to 2.1 cm, showing the power of early intervention.
In the U.S. and Australia, where 70% of women undergo regular screening, about 60–70% of breast cancer cases are detected at stage one or two. In contrast, Malaysia’s screening rate varies at only 15%, and as a result, just 20–40% of cases are caught early. The majority are diagnosed at later stages (stage three or four), making treatment more challenging and less effective.
By increasing screening rates, more cases can be diagnosed in the early stages, leading to better treatment outcomes and saving more lives.
Many women avoid mammograms due to fear of pain, concerns about radiation, cost, or the misconception that they aren’t necessary if they feel fine. Some worry the procedure might “damage” their breasts, while others believe ultrasound alone is enough.
However, while ultrasound can detect lumps as small as 3–4 mm, it cannot identify the tiny changes in breast tissue that a mammogram can catch at just 1–2 mm—allowing for close monitoring instead of immediate surgery for tiny abnormalities.
Regular screening allows cancer to be detected at its earliest, most treatable stage—often before surgery or aggressive treatment is needed.
In Malaysia, screening rates remain low due to a lack of awareness, cost concerns, and fear.
However, with more hospitals offering affordable screening options and government initiatives promoting early detection, mammograms are now more accessible than ever.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Early screening saves lives.
Finding a lump can be alarming, but 95% of breast lumps in younger women are not cancerous. Many are caused by benign conditions such as:
Pay attention to changes:
The best time to perform a breast self-exam is right after your period when your breasts are softer and less likely to be swollen or tender, making it easier to notice any changes.
Step 1: Find a Comfortable Position
Lie down on your bed in a relaxed position. This helps spread the breast tissue evenly, making it easier to detect any changes.
Step 2: Use the Right Technique
Step 3: Check for Visible Changes
Stand in front of a mirror and look for:
Know your breasts.
Repeat this self-examination monthly and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Breast size can affect how easily lumps are detected. Generally:
Self-examinations are important for familiarising yourself with your body but should not replace regular screenings like ultrasounds/mammograms, which can detect changes in breast tissue before a lump is noticeable.
If you find a lump or any unusual changes, don’t ignore it. Early detection can save your life.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Breast cancer in young women is on the rise, but early detection through regular screening can save lives.
Whether it’s self-examination, clinical check-ups, or ultrasounds/mammograms, staying proactive is the best way to protect yourself.
Fear and misconceptions should never stand in the way of your health.
Screening is safe, accessible, and essential.
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of effective treatment and survival.
Don’t wait for symptoms—take action today. Schedule your screening and encourage the women in your life to do the same.
