KUCHING, Oct 25 2026: Approximately 71 percent of women aged 40 and above in Malaysia have reportedly never undergone a mammogram screening, underscoring the urgent need to step up efforts in raising awareness and expanding access to early breast cancer detection.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Nancy Shukri said the low screening rates hinder early detection efforts, even though timely diagnosis is crucial to improving a patient's chances of receiving effective treatment.
“The low screening level makes early detection of breast cancer challenging. Therefore, women must take the opportunity to undergo check-ups so that the disease can be detected early.
“Do not let fear or embarrassment prevent us from undergoing screenings that can save lives,” she said at the launch of Sarawak State-Level Breast Cancer Awareness Month Celebration 2026 today.
To broaden access to screening, she said the government has allocated RM9 million for 2027 under the subsidized mammogram testing programme, targeting 38,000 women nationwide.
Nancy noted that the programme offers more women the opportunity to get screened, particularly those facing financial constraints in accessing private healthcare facilities.
She also urged women not to allow fear or hesitation to stand in the way of seeking vital health check-ups.
According to her, 8,000 participants from Sarawak participated in the screening programme this year, with a target of approximately 9,000 women in Sarawak next year out of the overall nationwide goal of 38,000.
Meanwhile, screening facilities are available at National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) clinics in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, alongside collaborative efforts with participating hospitals and medical centres.
As such, she said women in Sarawak are encouraged to utilise the available facilities and undergo regular check-ups to enhance the chances of early breast cancer detection.
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