Free mammogram programme targets underserved women across Malaysia

Up to 3,000 underprivileged women aged 40 and above nationwide will have access to free breast cancer screening under Phase 8 of Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

Launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department YB Hannah Yeoh, the latest phase will provide screenings through more than 20 hospital partners across Malaysia, with a stronger focus on women who face financial barriers to preventive healthcare.

The initiative comes as affordability remains an obstacle to breast cancer screening, particularly for lower-income women in urban communities. A mammogram at private hospitals in the Klang Valley can cost up to RM330, potentially making preventive screening a difficult expense for households managing competing daily needs.

While access to healthcare is often associated with geographical proximity, Etiqa and NCSM said urban communities can also experience unequal access when financial limitations prevent individuals from using available healthcare services.

Since its establishment, the programme has facilitated close to 40,000 free mammograms, expanding opportunities for underserved women to undergo screening and potentially detect breast cancer at an earlier stage.

“Providing close to 40,000 free mammograms represents not just a number, but more opportunities for women to take action for their breast health. The continued support from Etiqa and our network of hospital partners has allowed us to make screening accessible to women who may otherwise have postponed it,” said NCSM president Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.

“As we enter Phase 8, we want to build on that impact by looking more closely at the barriers women face. One of these is financial. For a woman managing household expenses and other daily priorities, the cost of a preventive screening can become a reason to delay it. Removing that cost can make the decision to get screened that much easier,” she added.

Community partnerships bring screening closer

Phase 8 will also broaden community outreach through a collaboration with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), linking breast cancer awareness with its Kampung Siaga 221 Programme.

The initiative will engage female APM officers and women participating in the programme in Kampung Datuk Keramat, Maluri and Kampung Bharu under Subzon Titiwangsa. Participants will receive information on breast cancer risks, early detection and the importance of regular breast health checks.

Eligible women identified through community engagement will receive dedicated mammogram allocations, allowing them to access screening without the associated financial burden.

The launch at Angkatan Pertahanan Kuala Lumpur included breast cancer awareness activities, clinical breast examinations and access to mammogram screening for eligible female APM officers and women from the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme.

Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad chief executive officer Leong Su Yern said breast cancer affects around 2.4 million women worldwide each year, while an average of 26 women are diagnosed daily in Malaysia.

“Behind every diagnosis is a woman, a family and a community whose lives can change in an instant,” she said, adding that the programme seeks to remove financial barriers and encourage more women to prioritise early detection.

Etiqa and NCSM will continue working with community partners and healthcare providers to reach eligible women during Phase 8.

Women seeking information on eligibility, registration and screening arrangements can contact [email protected].