Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers but many cases are still diagnosed late. More young women being are being diagnosed with breast cancer, including during pregnancy.
In Malaysia, according to a University Putra Malaysia (UPM) study, about 13.6% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40, a significantly higher rate than in the United States, with incidence rates for younger women rising over the years.
The disease is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Malaysian women, and a notable trend is the increasing diagnosis of advanced breast cancer in younger patients.
Data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, Ministry of Health Malaysia, revealed 50.5 per cent of Malaysian women with breast cancer present at the advanced stages 3 and 4.
When breast cancer is found early, the survival rate is high, but once it spreads, treatment becomes more complex, costly and life-changing.
More Women Under 50 Are Getting Breast Cancer
Young women with breast cancer face unique challenges, but advanced treatment options improve survival rates and quality of life. While the disease most often affects women over 50, more young women are being diagnosed at a time in life when many are focused on their careers, relationships, and family-building.
Some breast cancer treatments — while effective at treating the cancer — can have an impact on a woman’s fertility and other areas of health, from heart and sexual health to bone density.
These potential effects need to be discussed and referral made to reproductive specialists for women considering having children in the future and building their careers.
Treatment options are becoming more precise
Recently, breast cancer biology is much better understood at the molecular and genomics level, leading to more effective treatments i.e. precision medicine and personalised oncology.
Breast cancer can generally be divided into Hormone Receptor (Estrogen(ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR)) positive, HER2 positive and Triple (ER/PR/HER2) Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC).
With newer and advanced targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many late stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patients are surviving longer than 5 years with good quality of life.
Recent developments in radiotherapy such as Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold (DIBH) Breast Radiotherapy and Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) have improved the treatment outcomes of breast cancer while minimising the side effects of breast radiotherapy.
With modern imaging techniques like 3D Mammogram and Breast MRI scans, even Stage 0 Breast Cancer (Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ – DCIS) can be detected, with a 100% cure rate with surgery and radiotherapy alone without the need for further chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Awareness must lead to action. Screening has to be convenient and accessible for Malaysian women from all walks of life, both in urban and rural areas. All Malaysian women between the ages of 40 to 75 years are recommended to do breast cancer screening with breast mammograms every two to three years, regardless of risk factors like age, family history, socioeconomic background, or other risk factors.
This recommendation is established in major international guidelines and consensus of medical experts.
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Officiated Newly Renovated Damansara Specialist Hospital Oncology Day Care Unit
In conjunction with the Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration 2025, Damansara Specialist Hospital (DSH) was honoured to have Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Hajah Norashikin officiate the launch of the DSH Oncology Day Care Unit (ODCU) on October 1.
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Hajah Norashikin visited the newly launched DSH ODCU. During the visit, the Tengku Permaisuri Selangor graciously presented fruit baskets to each cancer patient and spent time engaging warmly in conversation with them, bringing comfort and encouragement.
The visit marked a meaningful step forward in advancing cancer care at DSH, showcasing the commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate treatment for cancer patients and their caregivers.
The ODCU provides a comprehensive range of therapies, including the latest chemotherapy and targeted treatments such as hormone therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies.
It also offers bone-strengthening medication for patients with bone metastases, alongside palliative and supportive care that focuses on symptom management and quality of life. The upgraded facility now features a refreshed and calming environment with upgraded interiors and a dedicated treatment room for minor procedures.
These enhancements reflect DSH’s commitment to ensuring patient comfort, privacy and holistic care.
At DSH, the multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and support staff work closely to ensure every patient receives care that is compassionate and empowering.
With the upgraded Oncology Daycare Unit, DSH aim to provide a healing environment where patients and families can find strength and hope together. DSH will continue to play its part by improving access to early screening, multidisciplinary expertise and patient education initiatives that encourage early intervention.
Assoc Prof Dr Aminudin Rahman Mohd Mydin is the head of oncology and senior consultant clinical and radiation oncologist at Damansara Specialist Hospital.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
