One of the most vital factors when it comes to fighting breast cancer is early detection, that’s why it’s so important to go for regular screenings or mammograms. Find out who can get checked and how, depending on where you live in Spain.
According to the latest figures from GEICAM, a leading group in breast cancer research, there were 36,395 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Spain in 2024. In Spanish it’s referred to as cancer de mama.
Breast cancer screenings have hit the headlines recently in Spain due to an ongoing scandal in the southern region of Andalusia. Around 2,000 women had in recent years not been informed of the results of mammograms carried out in public hospitals due to mishandling of cases that would have led to follow-up tests.
This has caused outrage and several protests across the region. Spanish Health Minister Monica García even said on social media she had required all the regions to submit cancer screening data “to strengthen surveillance”.
If you’re worried about this or think you need to get screened here are the steps to take in Spain if you have public health care.
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Screening tests are performed to detect precancerous lesions and minor lesions with the intention of improving the prognosis of the disease by diagnosing it in earlier stages.
There are two different types of screenings available, one is a mammogram which is an X-ray examination of the breast in which it’s placed between two plates, similar to a photocopy machine.
The other way, which is less common is an ultrasound of the breast. This is typically used for women who have very fibrous breast tissue because any abnormalities can be picked up more easily.
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These can pick up tumours which are even too small to be felt during self-examinations.
It is estimated that in recent years mortality from this type of cancer in Spain has decreased between 25 and 35 percent. Survival after five years of detection of the disease in its initial stages is around 85 percent.
If you pay social security and have access to the public health system in Spain, you will typically be offered regular mammograms once you reach a certain age.
Each regional health department works in slightly different ways, so the way in which this is done will vary depending on where you live.
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Madrid
Women between 50 and 69 years old can request screen by making an online appointment with their health card. It is usually carried out every two years, so you will either get a notification when your next one is due or you will request another appointment.
Catalonia
Similar to Madrid, the screening programme in Catalonia is open to all women between the ages of 50 and 69 to have a free mammogram every two years. Instead of making an appointment you will wait to receive a letter telling you it’s your turn. If you don’t receive one before you turn 52 then you should contact your doctor or local health clinic to request one.
Andalusia
Andalusia works the same way as Catalonia in that you will receive a letter by post informing you of when you should have your mammogram, which is also every two years.
Valencia
In Valencia you’ll start getting screenings earlier than in other regions and much later in life too, as the programme is dedicated to women between ages 45 and 74. It also takes place every two years. Contact your local clinic for information on how to schedule them.
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Balearic Islands
The Breast Cancer Early Detection programme in the Balearics is aimed at all women residing in the Balearic Islands and between 50 and 69 years old. It doesn’t matter what health insurance they have or where they were born, they can still get screenings. Again, it takes place every two years. Contact your doctor to find out more and when you can get yours.
Murcia
Women between ages 47 and 70 years old will be sent a letter for their scheduled mammogram.
Canary Islands
This year the government of the Canary Islands approved a bill to include breast screenings for all women between the ages of 40 and 70. When it’s your turn you will receive a letter by post informing you.
Aragón
Mammograms will be offered to women in the region between ages 50 and 69. You will automatically receive a letter with your scheduled appointment when it’s your turn.
Basque Country
In the Basque Country mammograms are available for those between ages 50 to 69, but if you’ve had a family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, they will lower the age to between 40 and 49. Screenings take place every two years. You will receive your first appointment by letter between ages 50 to 52, unless otherwise requested.
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Navarra
You will be offered an exam every two years if you’re between ages 45 and 69. Those with a history of breast cancer in the family can also request one earlier from age 40. If this is your case, you need to call 848 42 34 98 to make an appointment.
Galicia
The programme in Galicia is open for women ages 50 to 74 and is carried out every two years. You can learn more about how it works and how to get an appointment by e-mailing – pgdpcm.dxsp@sergas.es.
Asturias
Asturias are currently expanding their programme so that by 2028, all women between 50 and 74 will be offered screenings every two years. You will be invited by letter when it’s your turn.
Cantabria
Cantabria offers mammograms for those aged between 50 and 69. You will receive a letter every two years to schedule your appointment.
Castilla y León
The scheme in Castilla y León is open to those aged between 45 and 74. You will get a letter informing you of your first appointment.
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Extremadura
Extremadura opened up their breast screening programme this year to include younger women. This means that now anyone aged 49 to 69 will be offered one. Screenings will also be offered to those aged between 40 and 48 who have a family member with a history of breast cancer.
Castilla-La Mancha
Every two years those between 45 and 70 will be offered a mammogram.
La Rioja
La Rioja offers tests for women between ages 45 and 69. You will automatically be sent a letter with your appointment scheduled. If you don’t, you can call 941 298 229, between 8am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Remember, whatever age you are, if you spot or feel something unusual on/in your breast, it’s important to get it checked out right away. You can either make an appointment with your regular GP or gynaecologist and they will typically refer you for a mammogram or ultrasound if they deem it necessary.
What should I do if I haven’t received the results of a mammogram?
If you haven’t received your mammogram results within the timeframe that your doctor told you, then you must follow up with local clinic and and ask where they are. Typically you’ll be able access them yourself through health authority online portals in your region, even if you haven’t had a phone call from your doctor or a letter.
If you have had a mammogram or ultrasound and the results were inconclusive or showed that you need follow-up tests then you should request these straight away. If your clinic are taking too long to schedule you in, you can always pay privately for a second mammogram or ultrasound to give you a piece of mind.
For example, the website tumedico.es offers you the chance to buy these screenings from around €40. You can then take these results to your local health clinic to prove if you need further testing or treatment or not.
