3 Programmes That Offer Free Mammograms For Women In Malaysia

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Breast cancer affects over one million women worldwide each year, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, following lung cancer.

Early detection and timely medical attention can save lives. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, nearly 40% of new breast cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, according to the National Cancer Registry 2003.

That's why it's so important to get mammograms, which can help with early detection.

This health screening package includes a physical examination, mental health screening, and consultation.

The physical tests included are Full Blood Count, HbA1c, Fasting Lipid Profile, Renal Function Test, Liver Function Test, Tumour Marker (CEA & AFP), and Urine FEME, as well as Pap Smear and Mammogram for females.

Who is eligible?
- Malaysians
- Aged 40 to 59 years old
- An active PERKESO contributor under the Invalidity Scheme (has at least one month of contribution in the current year)
- Has at least 12 months of total contributions under the Invalidity Scheme
- Re-offer to all eligible who previously underwent other PERKESO health screening packages

How it works:
1. Download the SEHATi app
2. Register and check your health screening eligibility
3. Schedule your health screening appointment with a panel clinic
4. Answer health risk assessment questions
5. Attend the health screening
6. Get your health screening updated via the SEHATi app upon second visit

For more information, visit this website.

Under this programme, Malaysian women aged 50 years old and above who are Selangor residents or have lived in Selangor for at least 10 years are eligible to get free mammograms at panel hospitals under Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS).

Documents you'll need for the application process:
- Copy of your IC
- Resident status verification stamp (for applicants not born in Selangor)
- For those who live at the Selangor border, please include proof of assessment rate payment

The mammograms will be done at the following panel hospitals:
- Beacon Hospital
- Columbia Asia Cheras
- Columbia Asia Puchong
- Columbia Asia Klang
- Columbia Asia Setapak
- KPJ Klang
- KPJ Rawang
- KPJ Damansara
- KPJ Selangor (Shah Alam)
- Nilai Medical Centre
- Sentosa Specialist Hospital

How to apply:
1. Register online at this website
2. Print out the online application form and prepare all the required documents
3. Mail the application form and all the documents to YAWAS' office or your local DUN office. Alternatively, you can email everything to pendaftarankws@gmail.com.
4. You will be contacted once your application has been processed and approved. Details of your free mammogram appointment will be provided.

For more information, visit this website.

Who is eligible?
- Full subsidy: Malaysian citizens or permanent residents aged 35 to 70 years old with a monthly household income of RM10,000 and below
- Subsidy of RM50: Malaysian citizens or permanent residents aged 35 to 70 years old with a monthly household income of above RM10,000

For the RM50 subsidy, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have high risk of developing breast cancer
- Have been referred to get a mammogram
- Are getting a mammogram before undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Are getting a second mammogram under the subsidy programme

How to apply:
You can submit an application through any Klinik Nur Sejahtera LPPKN in Malaysia. Successful applicants will be asked to undergo a clinical breast examination at a Klinik Nur Sejahtera LPPKN before being referred to get a mammogram done.

For more information, visit this website.

A mammogram is an X-ray examination, performed to detect the early stages of breast cancer, even before the formation of lumps or changes in the breasts are felt. It also works to examine general breast health.

It is usually performed by a female X-ray technician, and takes about 10 to 30 minutes to complete. You will be required to expose your breasts, which will then be placed between two plates in a machine. X-rays of both your breasts will be taken from different angles.

A mammogram is generally considered as a safe examination, as the radiation levels in the X-ray are at very low levels.

Women should get mammograms done yearly starting at the age of 40.

However, you should seek earlier detection if you have high risk factors for breast cancer such as:
- Have a family history of breast cancer, especially if it involves your mother, sister, or daughter
- Are a carrier of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutation
- Are undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Have never given birth or gave birth to your first child after the age of 30
- Had your first period before you were 12 years old
- Underwent menopause past 55 years old
- Are obese (BMI of more than 27.5)

1. Avoid wearing perfume, deodorant, powder, or cream on your chest and armpit area on the day of the test, as these substances will affect the results of the mammogram.

2. Wear simple, comfortable clothing, like loose blouses and long pants or long skirts.

3. Schedule the mammogram for after your period, because that's when your breasts are less sensitive.

4. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and chocolate) for about a week or two before your appointment. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness.

The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a healthcare professional regarding the reader’s own medical care.