As of: February 28, 2024, 11:26 a.m
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Germany.
© Hannibal Hanschke/dpa
Even older women will soon be able to have breast cancer screening.
The Environment Minister hopes that many of them will do this.
Berlin - Expansion of breast cancer early detection: In the future, women will be allowed to take part in screening up to the age of 76.
This is provided for by an amended regulation from the Federal Environment Ministry, which comes into force today.
An additional 2.5 million women are entitled to participate as a result of the expansion, as announced by the Federal Joint Committee, the highest decision-making body on health insurance benefits in the healthcare sector.
Previously, women up to the age of 69 were only allowed to take part in X-ray examinations.
From July, women between 70 and 75 can also register for mammography screening.
The Federal Committee raised the age limit last year.
According to the committee, the radiation protection approval that has now been granted is the final prerequisite for it to come into force.
From July 1st, women aged 70 to 75 could register with the so-called central offices for an examination appointment at a screening unit close to their home.
Around 70,000 new cases every year
Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) said: “The extended age limit will mean that even more women will be able to undergo examinations in the future.” Hopefully this will be very well received.
“Early breast cancer detection can be a real lifesaver.” With around 70,000 new cases every year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Germany.
Since 2009, women between the ages of 50 and 69 have been offered an X-ray examination every two years for early detection.
According to the Federal Committee, when registering for screening, the last early detection mammogram must be at least 22 months ago.
It is expected that from 2026, all women aged 70 and over would automatically receive a written invitation.
Before that, extensive preparations are necessary.
Younger women than before may also be able to take part in the program in the foreseeable future.
According to its own information, the committee wants to complete its discussions this year on whether women between the ages of 45 and 50 should also be included in mammography screening.
dpa