February 4 is World Cancer Day, designated to raise awareness of cancer and how to better detect and treat it. On this day, the Greek Ministries of Health and National Economy and Finance announced a joint initiative to implement a program for preventive diagnostic mammography tests for cancer through mobile units.
The program has a total budget of 4,564,544 euros. Women who are eligible for the preventative mammography examination are aged between 45 and 74 and have a Social Security Number (AMKA).
However, women who have already undergone the same preventive tests in the previous year or have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last five years are excluded from the program even if they belong to the specified age group.
As reported, the objectives of the mammography initiative also include reducing pressure on the healthcare system and limiting treatment costs.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to improve the quality of life for patients in remote areas, enhancing access to the healthcare system for underserved groups within the female population.
It also targets the collection and analysis of statistical data through the electronic health record which aims to help strengthen the planning and implementation of the country’s health promotion policies.
According to official data, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the 27 countries of the European Union.
Women who regularly undergo mammography tests and receive a diagnosis in the early stages of breast cancer have a 5-year survival rate after having been diagnosed, with the corresponding average survival rate being 96% across the European Union.
In contrast, women whose diagnosis is made at a later stage of cancer progression have only a 38% chance of survival.