The first SMS messages containing electronic referrals for free breast cancer screening are being sent out gradually as Greece continues its national preventive healthcare program, “Prolamvano” (Greek for “I prevent”).
The program is now a permanent part of national health policy and is funded entirely through national resources, ensuring free access to preventive screening for all eligible individuals, with the aim of promoting early diagnosis and protecting public health.
A total of 2,385,935 women aged 45 to 74, both insured and uninsured, are eligible for the breast cancer screening program. Women who have activated electronic prescriptions receive their referrals via SMS.
During the first round of the program, 1,267,026 women underwent digital mammography, while 87,231 were found to have abnormalities requiring further investigation.
Women who have not activated electronic prescriptions can obtain information and schedule a free appointment using only their Greek social security number (AMKA) through the proliptikes.gov.gr platform. The platform lists participating screening centers in their area, along with contact details. Women can book appointments and undergo screening using only their AMKA.
More than 7 million people have undergone free preventive screening through the “Prolamvano” program, with 500,301 found to have abnormalities requiring further investigation or medical treatment.
During the first round of the breast cancer screening program, 1,267,026 women underwent digital mammography, with abnormalities detected in 87,231. More than 6,000 women were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, significantly increasing their chances of a complete cure.
Source: Greek Ministry of Health
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