MALAYSIA continues to face a growing cancer burden, with the latest figures showing that an average of 110 people are diagnosed with the disease every day.
Women account for the larger share of new cases compared with men. The most frequently diagnosed cancers nationwide are breast, colorectal, prostate, lung and uterine cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the statistics are based on the latest data from the Malaysia National Cancer Registry.
In 2024, a total of 18,240 men were newly diagnosed with cancer, with colorectal, lung and prostate cancer emerging as the most common forms.
Among women, 21,958 new cancer cases were recorded during the same period. Breast cancer remained the leading diagnosis, followed by colorectal and uterine cancer.
Taken together, the annual figures amount to roughly 110 new cancer diagnoses each day.
The NCI also highlighted the disease’s deadly toll, citing Department of Statistics Malaysia data which showed that cancer ranked as the country’s third leading cause of death in 2024, claiming 19,180 lives.
Lung, colorectal and breast cancer were the biggest contributors to cancer-related fatalities. Despite the grim statistics, survival outcomes have improved for many patients.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Department found that 55 per cent of women diagnosed with cancer were still alive five years after their diagnosis, compared with 41 per cent of male patients.
The institute noted that early detection remains one of the most important factors in improving survival, particularly for breast cancer, where prompt diagnosis and complete treatment can significantly increase a patient’s chances of recovery.
As for risk factors, the NCI said the likelihood of developing cancer rises with age. Smoking continues to be the primary cause of lung cancer and is also linked to several other forms of the disease.
Poor dietary habits also play a significant role. Regular consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and heavily processed ingredients can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer, the institute added.—July 5, 2026
Main image: cancer.org.my
