“Conversations were very fruitful, with many ideas on how to improve participation through increased cooperation in the future, using the connections in our communities. We are looking forward to see participation among immigrant women growing,” the organization stated in a news article about the visits.

During the visits, participants learned about various aspects of breast cancer screening, which takes place at the Breast Center of Landspítali – The National University Hospital of Iceland, and cervical cancer screening, which is provided at health centers. The visits also sparked valuable discussions about the importance of all women attending screening appointments when invited.

Women with foreign citizenship are significantly less likely to attend cancer screenings than women with Icelandic citizenship. Last year, approximately 81 percent of Icelandic women who received an invitation attended cervical cancer screening, while 71 percent attended breast cancer screening. In comparison, only around 34 percent of invited women of foreign origin attended cervical cancer screening, and 25 percent attended breast cancer screening.

Walk-in cervical cancer screening sessions

Health centers in the Capital Region have sought to accommodate different needs and preferences by offering walk-in cervical cancer screening sessions. Women who have received a screening invitation can either book an appointment at the health center of their choice or attend a walk-in session without an appointment, whichever is more convenient.

These walk-in sessions are held at different times and locations to make screening as accessible as possible. Information about upcoming sessions, including dates, times, and locations, is available on the Heilsugæsla höfuðborgarsvæðisins website.

For comprehensive information about cancer screening programs in Iceland, visit skimanir.is.