Health x Wellness
Breast Cancer Screening Rates Lowest among Malay Women in Singapore: Collaborative Efforts to Improve Breast Health
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of women each year. In Singapore, where breast cancer has been the most common cancer among women for the past five decades, addressing disparities in screening rates is crucial.
Breast cancer screening rates in Singapore have room for improvement. As of 2022, only 37.6 percent of Singaporean women aged 50 to 69 participated in breast cancer screening.
However, the situation is even more concerning among Malay women, where the participation rate drops significantly to 21.5 percent. These low screening rates contribute to late-stage diagnoses and, consequently, lower survival rates.
The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), in collaboration with Roche and the Society of Behavioural Health Singapore (SBHS), is taking a proactive step by convening a multi-sectoral workshop to tackle this pressing issue.
Several factors they found that contribute to this disparity:
- Cultural Barriers: Cultural taboos surrounding discussions of breast health and screening hinder timely presentation to healthcare providers. Conversations about breast cancer can be sensitive, and overcoming these cultural barriers is essential.
- Lack of Awareness: Many Malay women are unaware of the importance of early detection. Educating the community about breast health and screening is critical to changing this.
- Financial Constraints: Limited access to healthcare facilities and financial constraints further exacerbate the problem. Addressing these socioeconomic factors is vital for improving screening rates.
- Fear of Social Stigma: Fear of social ostracization due to a cancer diagnosis can lead some individuals to delay seeking medical help until symptoms become severe. Overcoming this fear is essential for early detection.
- Reliance on Alternative Therapies: Some women may turn to alternative therapies instead of seeking conventional medical care. Raising awareness about evidence-based screening and treatment options is crucial.
- Familial Obligations: Balancing caregiving responsibilities and personal health needs can be challenging. Encouraging women to prioritize their health is essential.
The BCF workshop emphasised a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges:
- Culturally Sensitive Education Programs: BCF plans to enhance awareness through educational programs tailored to the Malay community. These programs will provide accurate information about breast health, debunk myths, and encourage regular screenings.
- Improved Access to Screening Services: Collaborating with healthcare organizations, BCF aims to make breast cancer screenings more accessible. This includes outreach efforts in community centers, clinics, and hospitals.
- Engaging Religious Institutions: Partnering with mosques and Malay-Muslim institutions is crucial. Religious leaders can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and encouraging early detection behavior.
- Community Networks: Leveraging existing community networks, such as mosques and community centers, will help disseminate information effectively.
- Healthcare Collaboration: BCF will work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that culturally sensitive and evidence-based care is available to all women, regardless of their background.
Early detection, and timely treatment are vital in reducing the mortality rates of breast cancer among Malay women. By uniting stakeholders across sectors, BCF aims to break down barriers, foster understanding, and ensure that every woman receives the care she needs. With proper education, support, and access to medical care, we can enhance breast cancer screening rates within the Malay community, thereby improving national screening rates as well.
Ms. Adeline Kow, General Manager at BCF
Malay women facing breast cancer deserve equitable access to screening and timely treatment. By addressing cultural, societal, and systemic barriers, we can improve breast health outcomes and save lives. Let us stand together as a community, supporting one another in this critical endeavor.
Statistics quoted in article and graphics derived from Multi-Stakeholder Workshop Report provided by BCF.
