Are we doing enough in promoting breast cancer screening: An evaluation of malaysia breast cancer screening program

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. Several ways of breast cancer screening tools are available. This study aims to evaluate Malaysia's breast cancer screening program using the national database based on participation and performance indicators for the past five years. A retrospective cumulative analysis of clinical breast examination and mammogram screening services were performed using the national dataset of 2016-2020 obtained from the Health Informatics Centres, Ministry of Health Malaysia. The performance indicator represents the percentage of breast abnormality detected during clinical breast examination and the proportion of confirmed cancer through mammogram screening. A reduction in the participation rate for clinical breast examination was noted from 2016 (25.8%) to 2020(25.1%). However, a high participation rate in 2019 (29.1%) was noted following active health promotion intervention. The rate of high-risk women who underwent mammogram screening fluctuated by years according to active breast awareness campaign. The average rate of confirmed breast cancer annually was 0.7% and was noted highest in 2020 (1.17%). Improving early diagnosis is an eminent strategy for cancer control in all settings, including strengthening health systems and providing universal health coverage. Successful breast cancer prevention and control programs require intersectoral planning and active community participation. Ensuring sustainability and accessibility of breast cancer screening programs is highly needed. Fostering good collaborative multiagency partnership and community participation for the cancer control program urges an innovative approach through a policy formulation.