KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2026 – Up to 3,000 underprivileged women aged 40 and above nationwide will benefit from free breast cancer screening this year following the launch of Phase 8 of the Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with NCSM by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. Delivered through more than 20 hospital partners nationwide, the initiative by Etiqa and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) aims to remove financial barriers to screening and encourage early detection of breast cancer among underserved communities.

With the cost of a mammogram in private hospitals in the Klang Valley reaching up to RM330, affordability remains a significant barrier to preventive healthcare. Access is often viewed through the lens of geography, whether individuals live near healthcare facilities or have the means to travel to them. However, the partnership also seeks to highlight that living in urban areas does not necessarily translate into equal access to healthcare, particularly for low-income communities facing financial constraints.

Since its inception, Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with NCSM has facilitated close to 40,000 free mammograms through the collaboration between Etiqa and NCSM. Over the years, the initiative has expanded screening opportunities for underserved communities across Malaysia, recognising that effective early detection requires more than awareness alone. Women must also have access to the services they are encouraged to seek. By bringing breast-health services closer to communities, the programme strengthens health preparedness and empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards early detection. In Phase 8, greater emphasis will be placed on reaching underprivileged women and raising awareness of breast cancer risks and the importance of timely screening.

“Providing close to 40,000 free mammograms represents not just a number, but more of opportunities for women to take action for their breast health. The continued support from Etiqa and our network of hospital partners has allowed us to make screening accessible to women who may otherwise have postponed it.

“As we enter Phase 8, we want to build on that impact by looking more closely at the barriers women face. One of these is financial. For a woman managing household expenses and other daily priorities, the cost of a preventive screening can become a reason to delay it. Removing that cost can make the decision to get screened that much easier,” said Dato’ Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President, National Cancer Society Malaysia.

According to Leong Su Yern, Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad, “Breast cancer affects around 2.4 million women worldwide each year, and in Malaysia, an average of 26 women are diagnosed every day. Behind every diagnosis is a woman, a family and a community whose lives can change in an instant. Moreover, through  Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with

NCSM, we also seek to remove financial barriers to screening and encourage more women to prioritise early detection, which can significantly improve health outcomes.

We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), whose expertise and dedication have enabled us to extend the programme’s reach to underserved communities across the country. This initiative reflects Etiqa’s commitment to our purpose of Making the World a Better Place by fostering healthier communities and ensuring more women have access to potentially life-saving preventive healthcare services.”

As part of this expanded approach, the Phase 8 of Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with NCSM is bringing breast cancer awareness and screening closer to women through its collaboration with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).  

The initiative will engage female APM officers and women participating in the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme, equipping them with greater awareness of breast cancer risks, the importance of early detection and regular breast health checks. Eligible women will also have access to free mammogram screenings under Phase 8, helping to remove financial and access barriers to early detection. Building on the spirit of community preparedness, the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme by APM focusing in three areas under Subzon Titiwangsa: Kampung Datuk Keramat, Maluri and Kampung Bharu recognises that preparedness extends beyond responding to emergencies, it also means having the knowledge and access to protect one’s health.

Dedicated mammogram allocations will be made available for eligible women identified through community engagement activities, helping to connect women with screening opportunities without the financial burden. The launch at the Angkatan Pertahanan Kuala Lumpur demonstrates this approach by bringing screening and clinical breast examinations directly to APM female officers and women from the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme, creating an immediate opportunity for women to act for their breast health.

With 3,000 free mammograms available under Phase 8, NCSM and Etiqa will continue to work with community partners, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to reach eligible women and encourage greater participation in breast cancer screening. Women interested in Etiqa’s Free Mammogram Programme with NCSM can find out more about eligibility, registration and screening arrangements via contact@cancer.org.my.

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