More young women are being diagnosed with cervical cancer and here’s why

 

MANY women still think cervical cancer is something that happens later in life. But doctors say that assumption is leading some younger women to delay screening until the disease has already advanced.

Cervical cancer is now the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the third most common among Malaysian women.

More than half of cases occur in women aged between 40 and 59, but specialists are increasingly seeing patients in their late 20s and 30s diagnosed at advanced stages.

“Cervical cancer is absolutely preventable, yet many women are still coming in too late. Most of my younger patients with cervical cancer had never undergone a Pap smear before their diagnosis because they didn’t think they were at risk,” said Dr Andi Anggeriana Andi Asri, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and robotic surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City.

Why younger women are at risk

Doctors say delayed screening and poor awareness remain among the biggest reasons younger women are being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Many women in their 20s and 30s prioritise work, studies and family commitments over routine health checks. Others avoid gynaecological screening because of discomfort or stigma.

The disease is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity.

While most HPV infections clear naturally, persistent infection with high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18 can silently cause changes in cervical cells that may eventually develop into cancer.

“There is a widespread misconception that cervical cancer only affects older or married women,” Dr Andi said.

“In reality, HPV causes more than 90% of cervical cancers and can be acquired from the very first sexual encounter, even with just one partner.”

More than 90% of cervical cancer cases in Malaysia are linked to HPV. Yet  Health Ministry data shows that six in 10 women have not had a Pap smear within the past three years.

The warning signs women shouldn’t ignore

Consultant emergency physician Dr Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim said many women only seek medical attention after symptoms become severe.

“We often see women coming in with abnormal vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between normal periods or after menopause. Many assume it’s simply a heavier menstrual cycle, but by then the cancer may already be advanced,” he noted.

Persistent bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle, unusual vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, pelvic pain and bleeding after intercourse should all prompt medical evaluation.

“If these symptoms continue for more than one or two cycles, don’t wait. Get checked,” Dr Mohd Khalis added.

Apps can help, but they don’t replace screening

Period-tracking apps and smartwatches have become increasingly popular for monitoring menstrual cycles and general wellbeing. However, both doctors caution that these technologies should complement, not replace, medical screening.

“Apps can help identify patterns, but they can’t tell you what’s wrong,” Dr Andi said.

“A Pap smear or HPV test remains the gold standard for detecting cervical abnormalities early.”

Doctors also encourage women who missed the national school-based HPV vaccination programme not to assume it is too late.

Malaysia offers free HPV vaccination to 13-year-old girls, but Dr Andi said women in their 20s and early 30s may still benefit.

“Even in your 20s or early 30s, the vaccine can still reduce your risk. It won’t protect against every HPV strain, but it remains an important layer of protection.”

Early diagnosis can also preserve fertility.

“If we detect cervical cancer early, some women may not need to undergo removal of the uterus and can still conceive naturally,” she said.

By contrast, advanced disease often requires chemotherapy, radiotherapy or major surgery that can have lasting physical and emotional consequences.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen

Dr Andi and Dr Mohd Khalis encourage women to ask themselves three simple questions whenever something feels different:

• Is this bleeding outside my usual cycle?
• Has it happened more than once?
• Would I be worried if this were happening to my sister, daughter or friend?

“If your answer is yes to any of these questions, don’t wait. Even if it’s nothing serious, you’ll have peace of mind,” Dr Mohd Khalis said.

Dr Andi added that women should never hesitate to seek a second opinion if they feel their concerns are being dismissed.

“Don’t ignore your body. Most women with abnormal bleeding don’t have cervical cancer, but the only way to know is to get checked. Cervical cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you,” she remarked. ‒  Focus Malaysia