Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Slovakia. Over 3 500 new cases are diagnosed each year. However, in early detection there is a high chance of successful treatment. Therefore, during the Ružového October, the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic invites women not to delay and wait until the symptoms of the disease appear. Pink October is a global campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer. The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, through the National screening centre, brings the main message to women during this year's campaign: "Prevent cancer and don't wait for symptoms"".
The breast cancer can develop in its early stages without symptoms. That's why mammographic screening is important at a time when a woman feels healthy. The mammography takes a few minutes, is fully covered by public health insurance and we set the rules so that the path to the examination is as simple as possible. Nevertheless, only about one in six women from whom screening is intended will complete it within the recommended interval. Therefore, I ask all women to find time and order during the Rosie October. And I beg their loved ones, partners, children or friends to remind them. One phone call can save a lifesaid Minister of Health Kamil Šaško.
From 1 July 2026 new conditions of mammographic examinations apply to women without breast symptoms. They aim to harmonise rules, improve the availability of examinations and ensure that these mammographic examinations are carried out only at screening mammographic workplaces meeting the quality requirements.
Women aged 45 to 74 are entitled to screening mammography every two years. They may undergo the examination on the basis of an invitation from an insurance company, a request from a gynecologist, an oncologist, a mammologist or a general doctor, but also without a request if at least two years have elapsed since the last mammography. The deadline can be agreed directly on one of 39 screening mammographic workplaces. The investigation is fully covered by public health insurance.
Women between 40 and 44 years of age may undergo a mammographic examination every two years for early detection of breast cancer if indicated by a gynecologist. This examination is also carried out at a screening mammographic workplace and is fully covered by public health insurance.
A list of screening mammographic sites is available on the websitewww.skringy.sk. The woman can order by phone, e-mail or via the website of the selected workplace.
Screening mammography is intended for women with no symptoms. If a woman palpates a lump, notices a change in the skin or nipples, discharge from the nipple, or any other unusual change regardless of age, she should contact her gynecologist or general adult physician as soon as possible. The doctor will determine the next diagnostic procedure. There is therefore no need to wait for symptoms.
It is important to know your breasts and note unusual changes. However, breast self-examination every month does not replace screening mammography at the recommended interval. Mammography can also detect changes that cannot be felt. By 2025 it reachedNational Cancer Institute (NOI)aNational screening centre (NSC)participation in mammographic examinations taking into account a two-year screening interval of approximately 45% of women aged 45 to 74 years. The participation of non-symptomatic women was 32% of the target population.
Organised mammographic screening in Slovakia since September 2019 helps to capture breast tumours at a time when treatment is generally more effective and patient prognosis is more favourable. However, a large proportion of women still do not undergo the examination within the recommended interval. It is therefore important to reach out to more women, to facilitate their access to the examination and to encourage their regular participation. This can bring more women to the benefit of screening.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic through the National screening centre systematically strengthens public awareness and motivates women to participate in screening. In September and early October, a radio campaign was carried out in Radio Slovensko.
At the same time, experts from the National screening centre regularly provide verified and professional information directly among people at health-prevention and regional events. Women are told who is being screened for how to order it, why it is important to keep in mind changes in breasts regularly, and why self-examination does not replace screening mammography. These activities are complemented by cooperation with municipalities, patient organisations and other partners.
Do not delay mammographic screening just because you feel healthy and have no problems. Breast cancer can develop in the beginning without symptoms. Screening can reveal it in time when the chances of successful treatment are higher and the treatment can be less demanding. Take advantage of this possibility and order a mammographic examinationsaid Ing. Martin Kyjaci, PhD, Director-General of National screening centre of MZ SR.
The message of Ružového October is symbolically reminiscent of important buildings throughout Slovakia, which will light up pink during October. The public can also see the Bratislava Castle in pink this evening, where guests are Chairman of the Slovak Republic Richard Raši and Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic Kamil Šaško experts, doctors and patient on the occasion of the Ružového October.
More information on cancer screening programmes is available atwww.oncocontrol.sk.