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EU Reported Varied Breast Cancer Screening Rates in 2024

Data shows significant gaps in mammography access and screening participation across European Union nations.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cancer

Isometric editorial illustration of a medical diagnostic imaging gantry, representing health infrastructure across European nations.
Eurostat data indicates significant disparities in breast cancer screening access and the availability of mammography units across European Union member nations in 2024. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Eurostat released 2024 data highlighting disparities in breast cancer screening and infrastructure across the European Union. The report arrives as international Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins in October.

Why it matters

Routine screening and accessible preventive care are essential strategies for mitigating disease impact and reducing cancer mortality rates globally.

In 2024, screening rates for women aged 50 to 69 ranged from 82.1% in Denmark to 27.2% in Hungary. Mammography unit availability peaked in Greece at 7.6 units per 100,000 residents, compared to 1.1 units in the lowest-ranked nations.

The players

Eurostat

This is the statistical office of the European Union responsible for providing high-quality statistics for Europe.

The details

Breast cancer screening is defined as the percentage of women aged 50 to 69 who completed a mammography within a two-year window. The availability of diagnostic infrastructure is measured by the number of active mammography units per 100,000 inhabitants.

Timeline

  1. 2019 served as the baseline year for comparative screening statistics.

  2. 2024 represents the core data collection period for the report.

  3. October marks the annual observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Big Picture

This reporting follows the standard monitoring patterns established by the European Union's public health monitoring frameworks to track member state adherence to preventive health benchmarks.

These findings highlight potential barriers to early detection that residents in lower-performing regions may face. Patients in areas with fewer mammography units may need to travel further or face longer wait times to access essential preventive health services.

The takeaway

Early detection remains the most effective tool for improving outcomes in breast cancer treatment. Patients should prioritize staying informed about local screening schedules and eligibility requirements to ensure timely diagnostic care.

Further reading

Learn more about ongoing initiatives at the Cancer section.

Live Poll

Is access to preventive cancer screenings in your country getting better or worse?