Breast Cancer Screening in Hessen: Low Participation Despite Proven Benefits

In Hessen, participation in mammography breast cancer screening remains around 50%, raising concerns among medical professionals about the underutilization of this life-saving health service. The program, targeting women aged 50 to 69 and recently extended to include those aged 70 to 75, sent out approximately 680,000 invitations last year alone. Despite the invitations and appointment suggestions, many women decline due to fear of the examination, lack of awareness, or a misplaced reliance on self-checks. Experts like Karin Bock note that a significant barrier is misunderstandings about breast health and resistance to further examination even after abnormal results. Gynecologist Uwe Wagner highlights that breast cancer detected early through mammography has a much better prognosis, with screening reducing mortality by 20-30% nationwide. He stresses that while self-examination is important, it does not replace regular mammograms for early detection and improved treatment outcomes. The screening program, established for over two decades, continues to play a crucial role in public health, yet the challenge remains to improve participation rates to ensure more women benefit from early diagnosis and reduced mortality risk.