38,000 women to benefit from mammogram screening subsidies

THE National Population and Family Development Board has allocated RM9 million for mammogram screening subsidies, which will benefit 38,000 women.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the allocation was part of the government's efforts to encourage more women to undergo early breast cancer screening.

She said the government hoped more women would take advantage of the initiative.

"Next year, 38,000 women will benefit from this subsidy, including an estimated 9,000 in Sarawak," she said after the launch of the state-level Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 celebrations at Padang Merdeka here yesterday.

Nancy encouraged women to register early to secure screening slots at the available facilities.

The board introduced the mammogram subsidy programme in 2007 to widen access to early breast cancer screening.

As of Sept 30, the programme had benefited 598,919 women nationwide.

"In Sarawak, 90,075 women had undergone screening, with 88 found to have cancer."

Nancy said mammogram screening facilities were available at several hospitals in Sarawak, including in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

"Early screening is important as breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Don't wait until you turn 40 to undergo screening," she added.