UP to 3,000 underprivileged women nationwide will benefit from free breast cancer screening at more than 20 hospitals nationwide.
This follows the launch of phase eight of Etiqa Life Insurance Bhd’s free mammogram programme with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).
The initiative encourages early detection of breast cancer among underserved communities.
Women aged 40 and above with a household income below RM5,000 are eligible for the screening.
Etiqa chief executive officer Leong Su Yern said breast cancer affected around 2.4 million women worldwide each year, and an average of 26 women in Malaysia were diagnosed daily.
“Through Etiqa’s free mammogram programme with NCSM, we seek to remove financial barriers to screening as well as encourage more women to prioritise early detection, which can significantly improve health outcomes.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with NCSM, which expertise and dedication have enabled us to extend the programme’s reach.
“This initiative reflects Etiqa’s commitment to our purpose of making the world a better place by fostering healthier communities and ensuring more women have access to potentially life-saving preventive healthcare services,” she said.
NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said, “Providing close to 40,000 free mammograms represents not just a number, but more of 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.
“As we enter phase eight, we want to build on that impact by looking more closely at the barriers women face such as financial constraints.
“The cost of preventive screening can become a reason to delay it and removing that cost can make the decision to get screened that much easier.”
The initiative was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
Also present were NCSM managing director Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) chief commissioner Mohammad Abiddin Abd Rahman, Federal Territories state director Col Mohd Rosman Abdullah and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
NCSM in a media statement said, “This year, greater emphasis will be placed on reaching underprivileged women and raising awareness of breast cancer risks and the importance of timely screening.”
The programme has also expanded breast cancer awareness through its collaboration with APM, engaging female officers participating in the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme.
(Kampung Siaga 221 programme is an initiative that enhances community preparedness in facing emergency threats and disasters.)
Dedicated mammogram allocations will be made available for eligible women identified through community engagement activities, helping to connect them with screening opportunities.
Women interested in Etiqa’s free mammogram programme can find out more about eligibility, registration and screening arrangements by e-mailing contact@cancer.org.my
