October is worldwide the month dedicated to awareness of breast cancera disease that affects millions of women.

According to him World Health Organizationbreast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide with approximately 2.3 million new cases each year. But breast cancer can be prevented and treated effectively, as long as it is detected early.

Greece is implementing for the first time an extensive population screening program that makes it easier for women to get tested easily, immediately and for free.

The Ministry of Health implements in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance the National Program for the Prevention of Breast Cancer “Fofi Gennimata”, which provides free mammograms to women aged 45 to 74. The program covers 1.4 million women and offers a free digital mammogram exam, a free ultrasound and a free doctor’s visit for women who have findings.

This program aims at the early detection of breast cancer, enabling women to protect their health. It is noted that the referral is issued automatically through AMKA, and the examinations are completely free for insured and uninsured women.

Over 26,000 women have been identified with symptoms

Already to date more than 416,000 women have had their mammography done free of charge, taking advantage of this important possibility, while more than 26,000 women have been identified in time with findings.

In fact, as part of the recalculation of the beneficiaries that takes place every two months, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with IDIKA, a body of the Ministry of Digital Governance sent 163,000 SMS to new beneficiaries who joined the age range 45-74 as well as to women whose in 12 months to have their free annual mammogram. At the same time, more than 740,000 women received in the last few weeks an SMS or email as a reminder that their AMKA has been issued a referral for a free digital mammogram. These are beneficiaries who are approaching the expiry date of their referral.

At the same time, the prevention program for cervical cancer, which concerns 2.5 million women aged 21 to 65, is ongoing and offers free Pap smears, HPV DNA tests, colposcopy and biopsies when necessary.

“It is the first time that our country has an organized prevention program. “PROLAMVANO” is designed so that all citizens without discrimination have access to free preventive examinations for chronic diseases, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases,” he told APE-MPE the Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidakis.

A call to women not to neglect mammography

On the occasion of the month of October, which has been established as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mrs. Agapidaki wants to encourage every woman not to neglect the digital mammogram.

“If I could look into the eyes of every woman who receives the text or email about her screening mammogram I would say ‘please don’t neglect it.’ This examination may be the step that will ensure many more years of health for you, along with your loved ones. We all have so many obligations every day that we often forget to take care of our health. But this small moment you take for your mammogram can save your life. You don’t need to do anything more than use your AMKA and make an appointment at one of the collaborating centers that you will find at mastografia.gov.gr. Everything is free”, underlines Mrs. Agapidaki and emphasizes:

“Prevention is the most powerful weapon we have in the fight against cancer. Don’t be afraid, don’t hesitate. Do it for you, for your family, for your future. Together we can protect our lives.”