More than 18 million Malaysians are prone to cancer. Nearly 1 out of 3 Malaysians are physically inactive and more than half of Malaysians are overweight or obese according to National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023.
This causes an increase up to 50% of cancer cases in Malaysia according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Referring to NHMS 2023, the percentage increase of overweight and obesity in Malaysia has gone up from 50.1% in 2019 to 54.4% in 2023. We are now the fattest country in South-East Asia.
According to NHMS 2023, The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has recommended physical activity of 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity/week. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, gardening, and swimming.
Vigorous activities include running, high-impact aerobics, and competitive sports. Physical inactivity leads to weight gain, leading to hormone imbalances and lowered immune system will increase the risk of cancer.
The definition according to MOH for overweight and obesity is a Body Mass Index (BMI) of >25.0 kg/m2 or a waist circumference of >90cm for men and >80cm for women. This is largely contributed to our diet which promotes carbohydrate intake (namely rice and noodles), fried food intake, ultra processed foods (UPF) such as fast food, oily food, instant noodles and the list goes on.
Most Malaysian adults do not eat the recommended daily number of vegetables and fruits warns nutritionist Dr. Yasmin Ooi Beng Houi at World Health Day 2022 Virtual Event. This leaves Malaysians missing key protective factors against cancers, especially colon cancer. Being overweight & obesity fuels cancer risk through inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
WHO means that nearly one in two cancer cases could be avoided if risk factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, and poor diet were addressed. “Regular exercise during and after cancer treatment improves survival outcomes, reduces fatigue, boosts immunity, and enhances overall well-being,” quoted by Dr. Tan Wu Meng Singaporean Oncologist.
The alarming rise in obesity and physical inactivity in Malaysia is a major driver of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. With nearly half of all cancer cases being preventable through lifestyle changes, it is crucial for Malaysians to adopt healthier habits—regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and weight management. Addressing these risk factors not only reduces cancer incidence but also improves overall health and quality of life. The time to act is now.
