Manulife Singapore has entered a three-year partnership with Breast Cancer Foundation and Parkway Radiology to expand access to breast cancer screening and education through the MammoXpress Mammography Bus.
Fully funded by Manulife Singapore, the programme will provide free tele-consultations and mammogram screening where clinically appropriate, with coverage extended to women of all residency statuses.
The initiative is intended to address screening access gaps, particularly among younger women who may not be covered by existing subsidised screening programmes.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women aged 30 to 39 in Singapore. A recent Breast Cancer Foundation study found that 91.5% of young women were not taking active steps to monitor their breast health, while 54% said they wanted more affordable screening options.
“Breast cancer is often associated with older women, but the reality is that younger women are not immune, and many may not know when or how to take the first step,” said Michelle Fang, Chief Marketing Officer at Manulife Singapore.
“Through this partnership, we are bringing doctor assessment and screening onto a mobile platform which reduces barriers for women who may otherwise delay checks due to cost, convenience, mobility challenges or limited access to screening facilities.”
Beyond on-site mammography and doctor consultations, the partnership will include educational resources, awareness talks and health literacy content.
The programme also forms part of Breast Cancer Foundation’s Young Women Initiative, which combines community outreach, workplace engagement and educational programmes to encourage earlier breast health awareness.
“Raising awareness and empowering women to take ownership of their breast health has always been central to Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission,” said Jacob Soo, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Cancer Foundation.
“This partnership allows us to bring breast health conversations closer to where women live, work and study, particularly to younger women and communities who may not see breast cancer screening as relevant or accessible to them.”
Parkway Radiology will provide the clinical screening expertise through its MammoXpress Mammography Bus, bringing mobile breast health services to neighbourhoods, workplaces and community locations across Singapore.
“Studies have consistently shown that early detection can significantly improve chances of timely treatment. Preventive health assessments and regular screening help detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stages,” said Tan Yujuan, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Radiology.
“By bringing our clinical expertise, tele-consultations and mobile screening closer to the community, we hope to help more women, especially younger women, understand their personal risk and make more informed decisions.”
The programme reflects a broader shift towards decentralised preventive care, combining mobile diagnostic imaging with tele-consultations and community-based outreach to reduce barriers to screening.
Parkway Radiology operates radiology services across Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital and Parkway East Hospital, as well as seven radiology clinics and a mobile mammography service.
