# Breast cancer awareness and screening in Croatia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/breast-cancer-awareness-and-screening-in-croatia > Updated: 2026-10-07T14:21:06.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 5. The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has launched the ninth cycle of the National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program. This cycle targets approximately 630,000 women born between 1955 and 1976, who are eligible for free mammography screenings every two years. Eligible participants, aged 49 to 70, receive home invitations detailing exam locations; those who have not received an invitation are encouraged to contact their local health institute. Over the past 20 years, the program has performed approximately 2.5 million mammographies, identifying more than 10,000 carcinomas. While the national response rate is approximately 70 percent, some counties have reached rates of 80 to 90 percent. Health officials report that mortality rates have declined by approximately 4.2 percent annually over the last decade, a trend attributed to organized screening. Currently, 60 to 70 percent of carcinomas are detected in early stages, when treatment is most effective. Future goals include expanding the age limits to include women aged 45 to 74. In conjunction with these efforts, various awareness events were held during ‘Pink October’ to promote prevention. In Velika Gorica, the Association Education Against Breast Cancer of Zagreb County held a traditional pink walk to mark its 25th anniversary, emphasizing the necessity of regular self-examinations and ultrasounds. Additionally, the ‘Korčula Run’ humanitarian race was held on the island of Korčula to show solidarity and remind the public of the importance of regular medical check-ups. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: Croatia breast cancer screening program detects 10,000+ cases in 20 years Croatia’s national breast cancer screening program has detected over 10,000 cases in 20 years, contributing to a decade-long decline in mortality rates through early detection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-breast-cancer-screening-program-detects-10000-cases-in-20-years ### 2026-10-05: Croatia launches national breast cancer screening for 630,000 women Approximately 630,000 women in Croatia are being invited for free biennial mammography screenings as part of a national early breast cancer detection program. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-launches-national-breast-cancer-screening-for-630000-women ### 2026-10-05: Croatia holds awareness events for breast cancer prevention Croatia marked Pink October with awareness events, including a symbolic umbrella walk in Velika Gorica and the ‘Korčula Run’ to promote breast cancer prevention and early detection. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-holds-awareness-events-for-breast-cancer-prevention ### 2026-10-03: Breast cancer awareness campaigns launch across Southeast Europe Multiple regional campaigns in Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia are promoting breast cancer awareness, early detection, and support through charity events and free medical screenings. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-observes-pink-ribbon-day-with-awareness-walks ### 2026-10-01: Croatian Institute of Public Health launches breast cancer screening website The Croatian Institute of Public Health launched a new website for the National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program to provide guidance on screening, mammography, and early diagnosis. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-institute-of-public-health-launches-breast-cancer-screening-website --- Cite as: Breast cancer awareness and screening in Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/breast-cancer-awareness-and-screening-in-croatia