The target group for breast cancer screening has expanded

May is the international Breast Cancer Awareness month and in this context we would like to recall that early detected breast cancer is curable and the best way to detect breast cancer in early stages is to participate in a screening. In 2018, we are inviting insured women born in the years 1949, 1950, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966 and 1968 to attend breast cancer screening.

The aim of breast cancer screening is to detect breast cancer at an early stage and in this way reduce the amount of painful and costly treatments and the rate of mortality.

Why is it necessary to participate in breast cancer screening?

Cancer develops in the human body over a long period of time and often in its early stages it shows no apparent symptoms. Breast cancer can be detected by screening before the impact of the tumour can be felt and it spreads to the body. Breast cancer screening means that a woman undergoes a radiologic examination of the breast, also known as mammography. This is a short and in most cases painless procedure. 

The Health Insurance Fund pays for the screening of all health insured women.

 

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial because it allows for quick initiation of the treatment, if necessary. Early detected breast cancer is more easily curable.

In most cases, women turn to a doctor when they suspect breast cancer, when they have complaints or symptoms occurred, for example, they have discovered a “lump" in a breast. In addition, it is worthwhile to be alert to other warning signs, such as a change in the breast shape, spots, or increased lymph nodes in the armpits. When these signs occur, you should contact your doctor.

Find out more about early detection of breast cancer and screening options here.