Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast Screenings around the EU

Living as an expat, I know there are some things I do differently to the way I’d do them back home. I don’t have a car for example - I can’t imagine having lived without a car back in Sydney - and I barely watch TV whereas I was literally plonked in front of it every night whilst I still lived at home. Another major difference is that I don’t go to the doctor as much. At home, I’d be up at the medical centre for every minor ailment, hoping for some antibiotics to get rid of a cold and going for all my regular check-ups like clockwork.  Living in a foreign country can make these basics seems complicated and we can tend to put them off completely or even wait until we pay a visit back home to get them done.

Why is it so daunting? Well, aside from a potential language barrier, the process is not always the same in every country. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honour of the campaign we’ve put together this guide so you know how screening works in Spotahome countries.

Breast screening, known as a mammogram, is offered free to women who are considered to be in the high-risk age group, usually between 50-70 years old, in most EU countries. However, if you’re in another high-risk category due to family history or an inherited faulty gene, it is also recommended you go for screenings from an earlier age - this is explained in more detail here. Women of all ages should familiarise themselves with what their breasts normally feel and look like and if you notice anything unusual seek medical advice. Take a look at this guide from Cancer Research UK to understand how to do a regular breast check.

The below image is also a really useful guide, with further info available at World Breast Cancer - knowyourlemons.com

Here is a list of free breast screening ages and where to find more information:

Austria

• Free Breast Screening age: 45-69 however women between 40-70 have the option to take part if they wish to do so.
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: The Austrian Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme.

Belgium

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-69
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: Women will either be referred by a GP or gyneconologist for a screening, or receive an invitation letter. The Fondation contre le Cancer has more information (in French).

France

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-74
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: Women receive an invitation letter from their Health Insurer.  The Institut National de Cancer has more information (in French).

Germany

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-69.
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: This is covered under the public healthcare system, the “Krankenkassen” i.e. AOK, Barmer etc. For more information visit the website of your “Krankenkassen” (in German).

Italy

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-69 and in some regions there are currently tests underway expanding this group between the ages of 45-74.
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: Ministero della Salute (in Italian). It is free of charge at Public Health Centres from the age of 45 onwards however the wait time for an appointment can be up to one year.  Alternatively, paying privately for a screening can cost between €50-€170.

Ireland

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-64 and this will be expanded to include women up to age 69 by 2021.
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: Screenings are run by Breast Check, the National Breast Screening Service. It is advisable to ensure you are on the register.

Spain

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-65 and in the last few years, this has been extended to women between 45-69.
• Frequency: Every 2 years.
• More Information: There is a wait list if you are in a low-risk category. Private screenings are also available subject to appointment and private costs. The AECC (Spanish organisation against cancer) can help you and give you information about anything you need to know.

UK

• Free Breast Screening age: 50-70 and there is a trial in place to extend this to women from 47 years of age.
• Frequency: Every 3 years.
• More Information: The NHS explains the process and offers information leaflets in a number of languages. As the UK runs a residency-based health system, if you move to the UK either from the EEA or from outside the EEA, you are eligible for NHS care so long as you are ordinarily resident.

And remember… check those girls! If you feel something unusual, don’t put off getting professional medical advice.