Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Estonia and worldwide. Every year, approximately 800 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Estonia, and this number is growing.
Anne Veesaar reminds her loved ones that participating in breast cancer screening is important.
Cancer screening helps to detect the disease early and increases the chance of recovery. If the disease is detected early, it is possible to fully recover.
It is important to participate in the screening even if you do not have any signs or symptoms, because cancer often does not show any signs in the early stages.
Screening is free and easily accessible: you can participate in health care facilities of your choice all over the country or in mammography bus when it comes to your area.
Please take care of your health and participate in the screening when it is your year!
Please participate if it is your year!
In 2026, all women who are born in
1952, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976
are invited to free breast cancer screening, regardless of their insurance.
You can see your invitation in Health Portal under Appointments and Referrals.
Please participate if it is your year!
In 2026, all women who are born in
1952, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976
are invited to free breast cancer screening, regardless of their insurance.
You can see your invitation in Health Portal under Appointments and Referrals.
How to participate in breast cancer screening?
There are several ways to participate in breast cancer screening:
- Book an appointment in Health Portal with a suitable service provider;
- Call a suitable healthcare facility and tell them that you want to book an appointment for breast cancer screening. You can find the contacts of healthcare facilities where you can have a mammogram in the table below.
- Make an appointment for the mammogram bus when it comes to your area. You can find the schedule, stops and registration information for the mammography buses in the chart below.
There are several ways to participate in breast cancer screening:
- Book an appointment in Health Portal with a suitable service provider;
- Call a suitable healthcare facility and tell them that you want to book an appointment for breast cancer screening. You can find the contacts of healthcare facilities where you can have a mammogram in the table below.
- Make an appointment for the mammogram bus when it comes to your area. You can find the schedule, stops and registration information for the mammography buses in the chart below.
There are several ways to participate in breast cancer screening:
- Book an appointment in Health Portal with a suitable service provider;
- Call a suitable healthcare facility and tell them that you want to book an appointment for breast cancer screening. You can find the contacts of healthcare facilities where you can have a mammogram in the table below.
- Make an appointment for the mammogram bus when it comes to your area. You can find the schedule, stops and registration information for the mammography buses in the chart below.
There are several ways to participate in breast cancer screening:
- Book an appointment in Health Portal with a suitable service provider;
- Call a suitable healthcare facility and tell them that you want to book an appointment for breast cancer screening. You can find the contacts of healthcare facilities where you can have a mammogram in the table below.
- Make an appointment for the mammogram bus when it comes to your area. You can find the schedule, stops and registration information for the mammography buses in the chart below.
Where to turn to?
See when the mammography bus is in your area
How does the screening procedure work?
Radiological examination, or mammography
Radiological examination, or mammography, is used for the early detection of precancerous conditions and breast cancer. To perform the examination, you will need to undress your upper body. You will be guided to the machine, where the healthcare professional performing the examination will place your breasts between two flat plates and take two images of your breast tissue from different angles. The examination may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. Mammography, which uses a low dose of radiation, is safe for your health.
Avoid deodorant and body lotion
The use of deodorant, body lotion, and powder may affect the quality of the X-ray image. Therefore, you should refrain from using them on the day of the examination.
Women who are still menstruating should come for screening on days 5–15 of their cycle, as their breasts are less tender and sensitive then. This makes the examination procedure less uncomfortable.
Allow about 20 minutes
The examination takes about 20 minutes and the results will be available within two weeks. The results of the examination can be viewed on the Health Portal (under Appointments and Referrals).
If the mammogram shows that additional tests are needed, you will be contacted and informed. Women with "negative" results will not be contacted separately.
How can you check the health of your breasts yourself?
Everyone can do the most for their own health. Please check your breasts regularly! Watch the video to see how best to do this.