Etiqa Life Insurance Bhd has launched the eighth phase of its free mammogram programme in partnership with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), aiming to provide breast cancer screening to up to 3,000 underprivileged women across more than 20 hospitals nationwide. The initiative targets women aged 40 and above with a household income below RM5,000, focusing on early detection to improve health outcomes.

Speaking at the launch, Etiqa’s chief executive officer Leong Su Yern highlighted the global and local impact of breast cancer, noting that approximately 2.4 million women worldwide are affected annually, with an average of 26 new diagnoses recorded daily in Malaysia. She emphasized the programme’s goal to reduce financial barriers that prevent women from accessing preventive screening and underlined Etiqa’s commitment to fostering healthier communities through expanded healthcare access.

NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram underscored the significance of the initiative, which has facilitated nearly 40,000 free mammograms to date. She pointed out that eliminating the cost of screening addresses a critical barrier for many women who might otherwise delay or forgo testing. “As we enter phase eight, we want to build on that impact by looking more closely at the barriers women face such as financial constraints,” she said.

The launch event was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, and attended by notable figures including NCSM managing director Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) chief commissioner Mohammad Abiddin Abd Rahman, Federal Territories state director Col Mohd Rosman Abdullah, and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.

This year, the programme is placing greater emphasis on reaching underserved women and raising awareness about breast cancer risks and the importance of timely screening. Collaboration has expanded to include the APM, engaging female officers through the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme—an initiative that enhances community preparedness for emergencies and disasters. Women identified through community outreach activities will be provided with dedicated mammogram allocations, further facilitating access to screening services.

Women who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to participate in the free mammogram programme can obtain more information on registration and screening arrangements by contacting the NCSM via email at contact@cancer.org.my.