Costa Rica expands cancer screening via mobile mammography and HPV testing

The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) is expanding cancer screening services through new initiatives. In Guatuso, a partnership between the CCSS and Alsalus is providing a mobile mammography unit from September 22 to October 16. The service is available to women aged 40 to 75 who have either had a mammogram in 2024 or have never had the exam. Appointments can be scheduled in person at local health centers, via telephone, or through text message.

Additionally, the CCSS is resuming molecular screening tests for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This program targets women between the ages of 30 and 64 to detect high-risk HPV types associated with cervical lesions. Health officials noted that these molecular tests offer higher sensitivity than conventional Pap smears, allowing for earlier detection and potentially extending screening intervals to every five years for those who test negative.