Breast cancer prevention efforts focus on increasing mammography rates in Poland

In Poland, breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women, with over 21,000 new cases reported annually. While the country has one of the lower rates of new diagnoses in the European Union, it faces one of the highest mortality rates due to late-stage detection.

To combat this, the National Health Fund (NFZ) provides a free preventive mammography program for eligible women. Recent data shows varying participation rates across regions. In Świdnica County, women in Jaworzyna Śląska have shown high engagement, with nearly 51% of eligible women undergoing screenings. Other municipalities in the region, such as Marcinowice and Strzegom, report participation rates between 46% and 49%.

Experts emphasize that regular mammography can reduce mortality by 25–30% for women aged 50–69 by detecting changes before symptoms appear. Despite this, only about one-third of eligible women in Poland currently utilize the free program. Mobile screening units, or mammobuses, are being deployed in locations like Mysłowice to increase accessibility for women aged 45 to 74.