prevention
Breast cancer screening is being expanded
The possibilities for mammography for the early detection of breast cancer should be expanded. photo
© Hannibal Hanschke/dpa
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Germany. The early detection options are now being expanded. Women over 70 should also be able to have mammography free of charge in the future.
The age limit for free breast cancer screening for those with statutory health insurance will be raised from 69 to 75 years. From next summer onwards Women up to this age can take part in a so-called mammography screening (X-ray) every two years for early detection. Previously this applied to the age group between 50 and 69 years. The new regulation was decided by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), the highest self-administration body in the healthcare system made up of representatives from the medical profession, health insurance companies and hospitals.
The background is an update of the EU Commission’s European breast cancer guidelines, which recommends including younger and older women in early detection. The G-BA commissioned the independent Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care to carry out a benefit assessment. The institute came to the conclusion that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages: “Possible damage caused by false-positive findings or overdiagnosis is offset by a breast cancer-specific survival advantage, which outweighs the disadvantages.”
Starting next summer
With around 70,000 new cases diagnosed annually, breast cancer (breast cancer) is by far the most common cancer among women in Germany, according to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). The average age at which women receive a diagnosis of breast cancer is around 64 years. There are better chances of recovery today than ten years ago.
According to information from the G-BA, around 2.5 million additional women could benefit from the expansion of early detection. The new regulation is to be implemented on July 1, 2024. From then on, women who are newly eligible should be able to register for an examination appointment. Information brochures, for example in doctor’s offices, are intended to provide information about the details in advance. Automatic invitations to screening, as with the previous age groups, are not planned until later due to the change.