CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING IN RURAL AND URBAN REGIONS: A CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA

Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer deaths. In Malaysia, it accounts for 19% of all cancer cases reported by the National Cancer Registry. This study examines barriers preventing women in rural and urban Malaysia from undergoing breast cancer screenings. The aim is to analyze how infrastructure limitations, awareness gaps, and educational challenges impact screening access and propose strategies for improvement. Methods: The study employed a secondary qualitative narrative review to explore rural and urban healthcare disparities in Malaysia. Data for this study was collected from the period 2014 to 2024 using reputable academic databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar. Additional sources include official policy and healthcare reports from the Ministry of Health (MOH), publications by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), peer-reviewed academic literature, and relevant case studies. Thematic analysis has been used to identify key healthcare access challenges and gaps across the country's screening landscape. Results: Key barriers include inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, lack of transportation, financial constraints, low awareness, and cultural misconceptions. Rural women face greater challenges due to fewer medical facilities and long travel distances, while urban populations encounter misinformation and fear-driven reluctance. Proposed solutions include mobile screeningunits, improved public transport access, expanded healthcare facilities, and culturally tailored awareness campaigns. Government collaboration and targeted outreach can enhance screening rates and facilitate early detection. Conclusion: The study highlights critical screening barriers and the need for systemic improvements. Its qualitative focus on Malaysia limits generalizability. Future research should adopt quantitative methods, crosscountry comparisons, and assess educational initiatives. Addressing these challenges can strengthen early detection efforts and improve breast cancer outcomes, enhancing Malaysia’s healthcare system for women's well-being.