A TOTAL of 38,000 women are expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s mammogram subsidy programme following an increase in its allocation to RM9 million under Budget 2027, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said the increased allocation, up from RM8 million previously, reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to breast cancer screening and encouraging more women to prioritise their health through early detection.
Speaking at the national-level Pink Care Campaign in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) today, Nancy said 595,143 women nationwide had undergone mammogram screenings as of Sept 30 this year, resulting in 1,334 confirmed breast cancer cases.
“In Penang, 54,549 women had undergone screening during the same period, with 93 breast cancer cases detected.
“Although 93 cases may seem like a relatively small number, every case matters. These figures remind us of the importance of early detection and ensuring that more women have access to screening,” she said.
Nancy stressed that increasing public awareness of breast health remained a priority for the ministry, which continued to work with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) to expand access to mammogram screenings and encourage women to undergo regular examinations.
She said the mammogram subsidy programme, introduced in 2007, remained one of the key initiatives to make breast cancer screening more accessible and affordable, particularly for women who might otherwise face financial barriers.
The programme is open to eligible Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, with women aged between 40 and 70 forming its primary target group.
Under the programme, women from households earning RM10,000 or less a month are generally eligible for fully subsidised mammogram screenings, while those with household incomes exceeding RM10,000 may be considered for a RM50 subsidy, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Nancy said the initiative was supported by 67 accredited LPPKN panel mammogram centres nationwide, providing women with more opportunities to access screening services.
She also highlighted LPPKN’s cervical cancer screening services, urging women to take advantage of the available facilities and seek information about their eligibility.
Women who wish to find out more about the screening programmes can contact any of the 50 LPPKN Nur Sejahtera clinics nationwide for guidance on eligibility and application procedures.
Nancy encouraged more women to seize the opportunity to undergo screening, stressing that early detection could improve their chances of receiving effective treatment.
She also called on family members to play a more active role in supporting the women in their lives, including helping them make appointments and providing transportation to screening centres when necessary.
“Sometimes, all it takes is the encouragement and support of family members to help a woman take that important first step towards getting herself checked.
“We must work together to raise awareness, empower women and make breast cancer screening more accessible to everyone,” she said.
Nancy emphasised that undergoing a mammogram was not merely a medical precaution but also an act of self-love and care for one’s loved ones.
“A mammogram is one of the ways we show that we care for ourselves and the people we love. Early detection can open the door to better treatment opportunities and outcomes,” she said.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, and Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.
Story by Riadz Akmal