Only 15% of women in North Macedonia undergo breast cancer screening

Around 1,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in North Macedonia. During the month dedicated to raising awareness of the disease, Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said that screening programs reach only 5 to 15 percent of women, while the European standard is 70 percent.

“Participation in screening programs ranges from 5 to 15 percent, while the standard is 70 percent. Consequently, we cannot say that we have an effective program. The difficulties are numerous, both institutionally and financially. In principle, we are not satisfied with the way screening has been carried out so far. Before beginning to redefine the program, we have started renovating mammography equipment and mammography units,” said Health Minister Sasho Klekovski.

In addition to the low screening coverage, PET scan capacity is also presenting difficulties. This year, 6,000 such examinations were planned, but so far the figure remains significantly below expectations.

Klekovski said that the number of scans had risen from 2,200 over the previous three years to 2,600 last year. He said that other solutions were being sought and that a broader package was being prepared, including the digitization and interconnection of key equipment, such as CT scanners and magnetic resonance imaging machines, in a coordinated system. According to him, the aim is to make more productive use of existing capacities.

Currently, 7,000 women and girls in the country are living with breast cancer. According to statistics, the disease affects one in eight women, or 12 percent. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives. / Alsat.mk