38,000 Women To Benefit From RM9 Mln Mammogram Subsidy Initiative - Nancy Shukri

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- A total of 38,000 women are expected to benefit from the Mammogram Test Subsidy Programme, backed by a government allocation of RM9 million in Budget 2027, up from RM8 million this year.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the initiative, introduced in 2007, aimed to expand access to mammogram screening and encourage early detection of breast cancer among women in the country.

She said the programme targeted women aged 40 to 70, with those whose household income was RM10,000 or below eligible for fully subsidised mammogram tests, while women earning more than RM10,000 could be considered for a RM50 subsidy, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.

“The programme is ongoing and is supported by 67 accredited LPPKN (National Population and Family Development Board) panel mammogram centres nationwide.

“As at Sept 30, 2026, a total of 595,143 women nationwide had undergone mammogram screening under the Mammogram Test Subsidy Programme since its introduction in 2007, with 1,334 cases of breast cancer confirmed. In Penang, 54,549 women had undergone screening, with 93 cases detected,” she said.

She was speaking at the launch of the Pink CaRe Campaign: 2026 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) here today.

Also present were Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying and LPPKN chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.

Nancy said efforts to raise awareness of breast health screening must continue, as early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.

She said Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 data recorded 8,371 new breast cancer cases and 3,526 deaths among women in Malaysia, while the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey found that only 12.8 per cent of women aged 40 and above had undergone mammogram screening in the preceding three years, down from 21 per cent in 2019.

Nancy said the annual global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October provided an important platform to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage women and the wider public to recognise the importance of early detection in saving lives.

She said the ministry, through LPPKN, was supporting the initiative by mobilising its state offices to carry out awareness programmes and advocacy activities nationwide.

-- BERNAMA