PETALING JAYA: Early detection can save lives, yet many Malaysian women continue to put off breast cancer screening because of financial constraints, limited healthcare access or fear.
To help address these barriers, Homesoy has teamed up with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for its "Stop That Dot Together" campaign, bringing breast health services closer to underserved communities.
The initiative, which runs from October to December, will support community screening programmes in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Penang.
As part of the partnership, Homesoy will sponsor 100 free mammograms through NCSM's Adopt-A-Mammogram Programme, helping lower-income women access potentially life-saving screenings.
The initiative comes amid worrying breast cancer statistics.
According to WHO's Globocan 2022 estimates, approximately one in 20 Malaysian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women in the country.
Although five-year survival rates exceed 90% when breast cancer is detected early, nearly half of Malaysian cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, according to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report.
NCSM managing director Dr Murallitharan Munisamy said financial difficulties and limited access to screening services often prevent women in underserved communities from seeking help until the disease has progressed.
"Our collaboration with Homesoy enables NCSM to bring mobile clinical check-ups directly to housing communities and fund 100 free mammograms through the Adopt-A-Mammogram Programme," he said.
"Ensuring equal access to early detection tools is essential because a woman's socio-economic status should never determine her chances of surviving cancer."
Chang Wan Ping, marketing director of Homesoy manufacturer Ace Canning Corporation, echoed this sentiment, saying too many women delay screening because of financial or practical obstacles.
"Through the 'Stop That Dot Together' campaign, we want to walk alongside women, encouraging them to prioritise their health and break down the fears associated with breast cancer screening," she said.
The campaign will also offer community-based clinical breast examinations, with participants receiving Homesoy 3.0 soya milk as part of the company's efforts to promote nutrition and general wellbeing.
Clearing up misconceptions about soya
Beyond breast health screenings, the partnership also hopes to dispel misconceptions about soya consumption and breast cancer.
One persistent myth is that soya products increase breast cancer risk because they contain isoflavones, naturally occurring plant compounds known as phytoestrogens.
However, Soo Sek Yow, head of nutrition at Ace Canning Corporation, explained that these compounds are not the same as human oestrogen and do not behave identically in the body.
"Soya does not cause breast cancer; in fact, studies consistently show higher soya intake may offer a protective effect," he said.
Research generally supports the safety of consuming soya foods as part of a balanced diet, with some studies suggesting a possible association between higher soya intake and reduced breast cancer risk.
Homesoy 3.0 contains protein, dietary fibre, calcium and vitamin D, nutrients that can contribute to a balanced diet.
Ultimately, the campaign hopes to encourage more Malaysian women to take charge of their breast health, recognise the importance of early detection and seek screening before symptoms develop.
For more information about the ‘Stop That Dot Together’ campaign, visit Homesoy's website.