Croatia breast cancer screening program detects 10,000+ cases in 20 years

Croatia’s national breast cancer early detection program has identified over 10,000 carcinomas through 2.5 million mammography examinations over the past 20 years. According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), the program has maintained a response rate of approximately 70 percent, with some counties reaching 80 to 90 percent.

Data indicates that mortality rates have been declining by approximately 4.2 percent annually for the last decade, a trend attributed to the organized national screening. While the number of new cases exceeds 3,000 women annually, 60 to 70 percent of carcinomas are now detected in early stages when treatment is most effective.

The current screening cycle targets women aged 49 to 70, born between 1955 and 1976, who are entitled to a free mammogram every two years. The program, which began in 2006, has expanded its age limits over time, with future goals to include women aged 45 to 74.

More than 600,000 women are currently eligible for the program. While invitations with specific appointments are sent to home addresses, the HZJZ advises women within the target age group who have not received an invitation in the last two years to contact their local county institute for public health to verify their status.