Singapore, August 25 — Manulife Singapore, today announced 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. This programme is designed to empower more women, especially those younger, to understand their breast cancer risk and take action earlier.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women aged 30 to 39 in Singapore. Despite this, many younger women may not recognise their vulnerability to the disease. A recent Breast Cancer Foundation study found that 91.5% of young women are not taking active steps to monitor their breast health, while more than half (54%) want more affordable screening options.
Post-study, this partnership is the first initiative that addresses this gap by making breast cancer screening more accessible to all women, including those who are younger and excluded from subsidised screening options. Fully funded by Manulife Singapore, it will provide free tele-consultations and mammogram screening, where clinically appropriate. The programme covers women of all residency statuses.
“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, 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 the free on-site mammogram screening and doctor consultations, the partnership will include educational resources, awareness talks and health literacy content to help women better understand their breast health and the importance of early detection. It also forms part of Breast Cancer Foundation’s broader Young Women Initiative, which brings together community outreach, workplace engagement and educational programmes to encourage earlier breast health awareness and support among younger women.
“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, 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. By combining education, community support and access to screening, we hope that more women will start conversations earlier and take proactive steps towards their breast health.”
Parkway Radiology will provide the expertise and screening behind the programme through its MammoXpress Mammography Bus, bringing breast health support closer to neighbourhoods, workplaces and community locations across the island.
“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. These play a vital role in enhancing what we call ‘Healthspan’, but access and awareness remain barriers for many women,” said Tan Yujuan, Chief Executive Officer, 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, so that they can enjoy not just longer, but also healthier, more meaningful lives.”
The partnership reflects Manulife Singapore’s belief that longevity is not only about living longer but living healthier for longer. That starts with earlier awareness, earlier action and easier access to preventive care. By working with Breast Cancer Foundation and Parkway Radiology, Manulife Singapore is helping to bring that belief into the community – supporting more women with the information, confidence and access they need to take charge of their breast health.
This initiative aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, more financially secure lives. For more information on the Longevity Institute, visit Manulife.com/Longevity.
For more information on MammoXpress Mammography bus locations and upcoming roadshows, please visit https://bcf.org.sg/programmes/mammoxpress.
