What breast most cancers screening does Spain’s public well being system supply?

According to the newest figures from GEICAM, a number one group in breast most cancers analysis, there have been 36,395 new instances of breast most cancers identified in Spain in 2024. In Spanish it is known as most cancers de mama. 

Breast most cancers screenings have hit the headlines lately in Spain because of an ongoing scandal within the southern area of Andalusia. Around 2,000 girls had in recent times not been knowledgeable of the outcomes of mammograms carried out in public hospitals because of mishandling of instances that will have led to follow-up checks. 

This has brought about outrage and several other protests throughout the area. Spanish Health Minister Monica García even stated on social media she had required all of the areas to submit most cancers screening information “to strengthen surveillance”.

If you are fearful about this or suppose it is advisable to get screened listed below are the steps to absorb Spain in case you have public well being care. 

READ ALSO: The breast most cancers scandal that is outraged Spain

Screening checks are carried out to detect precancerous lesions and minor lesions with the intention of enhancing the prognosis of the illness by diagnosing it in earlier phases.

There are two various kinds of screenings accessible, one is a mammogram which is an X-ray examination of the breast during which it’s positioned between two plates, much like a photocopy machine.

The different method, which is much less widespread is an ultrasound of the breast. This is usually used for ladies who’ve very fibrous breast tissue as a result of any abnormalities could be picked up extra simply.

READ ALSO: How to see a public well being therapist in Spain 

These can decide up tumours that are even too small to be felt throughout self-examinations.

It is estimated that in recent times mortality from this sort of most cancers in Spain has decreased between 25 and 35 p.c. Survival after 5 years of detection of the illness in its preliminary phases is round 85 p.c.

If you pay social safety and have entry to the general public well being system in Spain, you’ll sometimes be provided common mammograms when you attain a sure age.

Each regional well being division works in barely other ways, so the way in which during which that is finished will differ relying on the place you reside.

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Madrid

Women between 50 and 69 years previous can request display by making a web-based appointment with their well being card. It is often carried out each two years, so you’ll both get a notification when your subsequent one is due or you’ll request one other appointment.

Catalonia

Similar to Madrid, the screening programme in Catalonia is open to all girls between the ages of fifty and 69 to have a free mammogram each two years. Instead of creating an appointment you’ll wait to obtain a letter telling you it’s your flip. If you don’t obtain one earlier than you flip 52 then you must contact your physician or native well being clinic to request one.

Andalusia

Andalusia works the identical method as Catalonia in that you’ll obtain a letter by publish informing you of when you must have your mammogram, which can be each two years.

Valencia

In Valencia you’ll begin getting screenings sooner than in different areas and far later in life too, because the programme is devoted to girls between ages 45 and 74. It additionally takes place each two years. Contact your native clinic for info on schedule them.

READ ALSO: How to get the flu vaccine in Spain 

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Balearic Islands

The Breast Cancer Early Detection programme within the Balearics is geared toward all girls residing within the Balearic Islands and between 50 and 69 years previous. It does not matter what medical insurance they’ve or the place they have been born, they will nonetheless get screenings. Again, it takes place each two years. Contact your physician to search out out extra and when you will get yours.

Murcia

Women between ages 47 and 70 years previous will probably be despatched a letter for his or her scheduled mammogram.

Canary Islands

This yr the federal government of the Canary Islands accepted a invoice to incorporate breast screenings for all girls between the ages of 40 and 70. When it’s your flip you’ll obtain a letter by publish informing you.

Aragón

Mammograms will probably be provided to girls within the area between ages 50 and 69. You will robotically obtain a letter along with your scheduled appointment when it’s your flip.

Basque Country

In the Basque Country mammograms can be found for these between ages 50 to 69, however in case you’ve had a member of the family who has been identified with breast most cancers, they may decrease the age to between 40 and 49. Screenings happen each two years. You will obtain your first appointment by letter between ages 50 to 52, until in any other case requested.

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Navarra

You will probably be provided an examination each two years in case you’re between ages 45 and 69. Those with a historical past of breast most cancers within the household can even request one earlier from age 40. If that is your case, it is advisable to name 848 42 34 98 to make an appointment.

Galicia

The programme in Galicia is open for ladies ages 50 to 74 and is carried out each two years. You can be taught extra about the way it works and get an appointment by e-mailing – pgdpcm.dxsp@sergas.es.

Asturias

Asturias are at the moment increasing their programme in order that by 2028, all girls between 50 and 74 will probably be provided screenings each two years. You will probably be invited by letter when it’s your flip.

Cantabria

Cantabria presents mammograms for these aged between 50 and 69. You will obtain a letter each two years to schedule your appointment.

Castilla y León

The scheme in Castilla y León is open to these aged between 45 and 74. You will get a letter informing you of your first appointment.

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Extremadura

Extremadura opened up their breast screening programme this yr to incorporate youthful girls. This signifies that now anybody aged 49 to 69 will probably be provided one. Screenings will even be provided to these aged between 40 and 48 who’ve a member of the family with a historical past of breast most cancers.

Castilla-La Mancha

Every two years these between 45 and 70 will probably be provided a mammogram.

La Rioja

La Rioja presents checks for ladies between ages 45 and 69. You will robotically be despatched a letter along with your appointment scheduled. If you don’t, you may name 941 298 229, between 8am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

Remember, no matter age you’re, in case you spot or really feel one thing uncommon on/in your breast, it’s essential to get it checked out immediately. You can both make an appointment along with your common GP or gynaecologist and they’re going to sometimes refer you for a mammogram or ultrasound in the event that they deem it crucial.  

What ought to I do if I have never obtained the outcomes of a mammogram? 

If you have not obtained your mammogram outcomes throughout the timeframe that your physician informed you, then you could observe up with native clinic and and ask the place they’re. Typically you will give you the option entry them your self by well being authority on-line portals in your area, even when you have not had a cellphone name out of your physician or a letter. 

If you have got had a mammogram or ultrasound and the outcomes have been inconclusive or confirmed that you simply want follow-up checks then you must request these right away. If your clinic are taking too lengthy to schedule you in, you may at all times pay privately for a second mammogram or ultrasound to offer you a bit of thoughts. 

For instance, the web site tumedico.es presents you the possibility to purchase these screenings from round €40. You can then take these outcomes to your native well being clinic to show in case you want additional testing or remedy or not.