Improving Clinical Breast Examination Uptake in Rural Malaysia with mHealth Intervention

What is it about?

This study tested a bespoke multicomponent intervention in Malaysia to address low uptake of breast cancer screening. The intervention included community education via mHealth and the use of trained community health workers (CHWs) to navigate women to undertake screening. The results showed improved CBE uptake in the intervention group (46%) compared to the control group (4%). All women in the intervention group who received a positive CBE attended a follow-up mammogram. The intervention was effective across different ethnic groups, with no significant differences between Malays and Chinese Malaysians in terms of CBE attendance. The findings suggest that the intervention may be used to address the public health problem of low uptake of breast cancer screening in rural Malaysia.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it presents the first randomized controlled trial in Malaysia aimed at addressing the low uptake of breast cancer screening. The trial demonstrates the effectiveness of a bespoke multicomponent intervention in improving CBE (Clinical Breast Examination) uptake and increasing the intention to screen among women in rural Malaysia. Key Takeaways: 1. The bespoke multicomponent mHealth intervention was found to be effective in addressing the low uptake of breast cancer screening in rural Malaysia. 2. CBE uptake was significantly higher in the intervention group (46%) compared to the control group (4%). 3. The intervention led to an increase in the number of women who reported intention to screen for breast cancer. 4. All women in the intervention group with a positive CBE attended a follow-up mammogram. 5. The intervention was well-received by Malay and Chinese Malaysian women, with CHWs playing an influential role as navigators to breast cancer screening. 6. The study highlights the potential of using CHWs for navigating women to breast cancer services, which could