All women aged 40-74 in Iceland are invited to breast cancer screening
Breast screening is a breast examination for asymptomatic women. Breast cancer screening is an effective way to reduce the mortality rate of the disease. Early diagnosis increases the likelihood of the disease being localized and not spreading to other body parts.
If you experience symptoms in your breast, you can call 1700 or use the Heilsuvera web chat to obtain a priority appointment for an examination.
The age group 40-69 years receives an invitation for screening every two years.
The age group 70-74 years receives an invitation for screening every three years.
Women over 74 years of age do not receive a letter of invitation but are welcome for screening and can contact their family doctor or the Breast Centre and make an appointment.
Breast screening
Locations
Landspitali Breast Clinic, Eiríksgata 5 Reykjavík (see map), 3rd floor.
Akureyri Hospital, Eyrarlandsvegur (see map), entrance C.
Breast cancer screening is an examination of asymptomatic women.
Breast cancer screening is done by X-raying both breasts. Radiographers perform the examination, while radiologists examine the images. The woman is called in for a closer look if any changes are noted in the x-ray.
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Breast cancer screening is not recommended for asymptomatic women during pregnancy and not until three months after breastfeeding is completed.
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Women with breast implants may undergo general screening.
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Suppose a woman experiences breast symptoms such as a lump in the breast, indented skin or nipple, bloody or clear discharge from the nipple, or pain or tenderness in the breast. In that case, she is advised to see a physician, who will send a referral for further examination. If a woman is concerned and requests a breast examination before the defined screening age, the physician assesses whether there is a reason for the examination.
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If cancer is suspected after the screening, you will receive an invitation for a further examination (special examination of the breasts) (Icelandic) within 14 days.
A physician performs such examination, usually by palpation of the chest, new X-rays are taken, an ultrasound performed and a biopsy is taken if necessary.
If you opt out of a special examination of the breasts, you will still receive an invitation to a new breast cancer screening after 2 years.
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There are no signs of cancer: Nothing abnormal was found in your breasts. You will be invited to the screening again after two years.
You have cancer: If breast cancer is diagnosed, you will be referred to physicians at Landspítali for further treatment.
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Women with a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women with these mutations are, on average, younger at diagnosis than other women diagnosed with breast cancer. These women start breast cancer screening earlier and have X-rays every six months at Landspítali. They should not be included in the general screening program. Only 5-10% of all breast cancers are genetic.
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Women who have had a preventive mastectomy on both breasts do not receive an invitation to breast cancer screening, since all breast tissue has been removed.
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Women who have had breast cancer are supervised by an oncologist/surgeon for five years following treatment, according to the procedures of Landspítali.
After that time, they go back into the general screening program.
Women who have not reached screening age five years after receiving cancer treatment remain on annual screening/mammography until they reach screening age.
Women who have had breast cancer receive an invitation to be screened until the age of 79.
