Nearly 40´000 women were screened for breast cancer

Nearly 40'000 women in the Balearics have been screened for breast cancer in a programme launched by the Balearic health ministry in 1997 in collaboaration with the Balearic chapter of the Association of the Fight Against Cancer. The aim of the programme is the early detection of breast cancer to reduce the mortality rate and to improve the quality of life of women with cancer. The screening programme is aimed at women living in the islands, aged between 50 and 64. Nearly four per cent of the women were recalled for further examination and 120 cases of cancer were detected. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer and the biggest cause of death among women, representing 24 per cent of all types of cancer found in women and 19 per cent of the deaths. Early detection is essential in combatting breast cancer. The screenings are generally carried out every two years, and each woman is given an appointment by letter.