Study: Personalised Breast Cancer Screening
From September to November 2025, the first thousand women at the age 40 have the chance to participate in the Personalized Breast Cancer Screening Feasibility Study, which is based on personal genetic risk factors. This is the first study of its kind in Estonia.
Nation-wide breast cancer screening is available to women in Estonia starting from 50 years of age. Now, Estonian Cancer Network, Estonian Health Insurance Fund, University of Tartu and Tartu University Hospital are hoping to make the breast cancer screening smarter and available to younger women who have moderately increased risk of breast cancer.
Therefore, in Autumn of 2025, for the first time in Estonia, a PRS-study is activated. The purpose of the study is to analyze the feasibility of a genetic test that assesses polygenic risk of breast cancer and related counselling services in Estonia. If the study is successful, personalized breast cancer screening could become a nation-wide service for all 40-year old women in Estonia already in 2026, thus preventing more cases of breast cancer or detecting it in early stages.
If you receive the invitation to participate in the study, please do!
The test assesses your personal genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Based on this, recommendations are made on how mammographic breast cancer screening should be implemented and at what age.
Your participation matters and could help save many lives besides your own!
The test assesses your personal - but not familial - genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
What is a PRS Study?
Age is the most common criteria to for involving target groups into nation-wide screenings. However, it is well-known that there are other risk factors that may increase the risk of getting cancer. For example alcohol, poor physical activity, obesity and hereditary cancer risk may increase the chances of getting cancer throughout the lifespan up to 70%.
Genetics has been used in cancer prevention quite a lot already, but so far, the focus has mostly been on hereditary cases, where breast and ovarian cancer has occurred often in one family and at a young age. This kind of risks are called single gene risks.
It's also possible to assess statistical genetic risk by combining many gene markers with smaller effect - this is called polygenic risk score (PRS). According to scientific data, polygenic risk is one independent risk factors causing cancer next to environmental and other factors.
Calculating and assessing polygenic risk score (PRS) enables to find women who have similar risk of getting cancer already at 40 years old as an average 50-year old woman does. If the risk is similar then it is justified to offer similar screening and mammography services to younger woman as well, regardless the age.
About the Study
The study is carried out as a joint project of the Estonian Cancer Network, Estonian Health Insurance Fund, University of Tartu, Tartu University Hospital, North Estonia Medical Centre, East Tallinn Central Hospital, Pärnu Hospital and Ida-Viru Central Hospital. The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu. The purpose of the study is to analyze the feasibility of a genetic test that assesses polygenic risk of breast cancer and related counselling services in Estonia.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Approximately 11% of primary breast cancer cases in Estonia are diagnosed in women aged <45 years. Early detection of breast cancer improves treatment outcomes and survival. Relying on personal polygenic risk score (PRS) means a more focused approach to mammographic breast cancer screening, enabling women with higher risk of breast cancer to prevent it or detect breast cancer early (already at 40 years of age).
The study begins in the middle of September and women can participate until November 28th, 2025.
The target group of the study includes 1000 women aged 40 (born in 1985) whose place of residence according to the Population Register is Harju County, Tartu County, Pärnu County or Ida-Viru County. Invitations are sent to a random sample of the target group.
How to participate?
- If you are selected to participate in the study, book an appointment by calling the healthcare provider’s breast clinic number at Tartu University Hospital +372 53287500, at Pärnu Hospital +372 4473511, at North Estonia Medical Centre +372 6171049, at East Tallinn Central Hospital +372 58835970, or at Ida-Viru Central Hospital +372 3311092 based on which location is the most convenient for you.
- When calling, say that you want to register for the breast cancer personalized prevention, and be prepared to give your personal identification number.
- On the day of the visit, an appointment with a midwife will take place at the breast clinic (duration 30-60 minutes) and a blood test will be taken from your vein (you can eat and drink as normal). Bring an ID document with you to the appointment.
- The result of the genetic test will be sent to the Health Portal. Log in to see your results.
- If the genetic test does not indicate a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, no further tests will be performed. If you are identified as having a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, you will be referred for a mammography examination.
If you wish, you can book a repeated appointment with a midwife for a consultation in the breast clinic after the genetic test result, regardless of the level of risk. Repeated counselling can take place in a healthcare facility, by telephone or using digital solutions.