KUCHING: The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has allocated RM9 million for mammogram screening subsidies expected to benefit nearly 40,000 women nationwide next year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the allocation is part of government efforts to encourage more women to undergo early breast cancer screening.
She said the government hopes more women will utilise the initiative for early detection.
"For next year, 38,000 women (nationwide) will benefit from this subsidy, with an estimated 9,000 of them in Sarawak," she said.
She said this after officiating the Sarawak State-Level Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 celebrations at Padang Merdeka here today.
Nancy said women are encouraged to register early to secure screening slots through the available facilities.
"LPPKN introduced the Mammogram Subsidy Programme in 2007 as a government initiative to widen access to early breast cancer screening.
"As of Sept 30, the programme has benefited 598,919 women nationwide.
"In Sarawak alone, 90,075 women benefited and underwent screening, with 88 detected positive for cancer," she said.
She said mammogram screening facilities in Sarawak are available at several hospitals across the state, including in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri.
"This step is vital to ensure women have easier access to screening, especially in efforts to detect breast cancer early," she said.
She said early screening is critical as breast cancer remains among the most common cancers affecting women in Malaysia.
Nancy said women should not wait until they reach 40 to undergo screening, but instead seek early checks.
She said women aged 18 and above should be encouraged to undergo screening, while those in high-risk categories must pay particular attention to checks once they reach 40.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd