GEORGE TOWN: Only 12.8% of Malaysian women aged 40 and above underwent mammogram screening in the three years preceding 2023, a sharp decline from 21% in 2019.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said fear and a lack of awareness could be among the reasons behind the decline.
She said the findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 were worrying, as early detection was crucial in improving the chances of successful breast cancer treatment.
"Some women are unaware of the importance of screening, while others are afraid.
"Even I feel afraid sometimes, but as women, we must have the courage to undergo these examinations," she told reporters after launching the national-level PINK CaRe Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2026 here on Wednesday (Oct 21).
Nancy said awareness programmes were important to encourage more women to undergo regular screenings rather than allow fear to prevent them from seeking early detection.
She said breast cancer remained the most common cancer among Malaysian women, accounting for about one-third of all new cases.
According to Global Cancer Observatory 2022 data, Malaysia recorded 8,371 new breast cancer cases among women and 3,526 deaths that year.
Nancy said the government had increased the allocation for the Mammogram Screening Subsidy Programme from RM8mil this year to RM9mil under Budget 2027, with an estimated 38,000 women expected to benefit.
However, she acknowledged that the allocation was still insufficient to meet the needs of all eligible women.
"It is actually not enough, but that is what we have at the moment.
"Nevertheless, I think it is already a substantial allocation from the government. If there is a need for additional funding, we will try to apply for more," she said.
The programme, introduced in 2007, aims to encourage early breast cancer detection, particularly among women aged between 40 and 70.
She said priority would be given to women from lower-income households and encouraged those eligible to visit their nearest participating screening centre.
The programme is supported by 67 accredited mammogram centres under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) nationwide.
Nancy said 595,143 women had undergone mammogram screenings under the programme since 2007, with 1,334 breast cancer cases confirmed as of Sept 30.
In Penang, 54,549 women had undergone screenings, with 93 breast cancer cases detected during the same period.
Nancy said the ministry and LPPKN would continue strengthening awareness programmes and improving access to breast cancer screening nationwide.
LPPKN also provides cervical cancer screening through HPV DNA testing.
Women seeking information on eligibility for screening programmes can contact any of the 50 LPPKN Nur Sejahtera clinics nationwide for guidance.
