The Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme identified 119 breast cancer cases in the Balearic Islands during 2024, representing 18% of the 670 diagnoses recorded among women aged over 50, the target population for this initiative.
The Minister of Health, Manuela García, together with José Reyes, president of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in the Balearic Islands, visited several information stands set up to mark World Breast Cancer Day, celebrated on October 19, to highlight the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.
Over 40,000 invitations and strong participation
In 2024, nearly 40,000 women aged 50–69 were invited to participate, reaching a coverage rate of 63.9%, two points higher than the previous year. Around 70% of those invited attended their mammogram appointment.
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The programme detects 18% of breast cancer cases in women over 50 in the Balearic Islands
A total of 1,260 women were referred to the Diagnostic Unit for further studies, of which 119 (9%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. Another 31% (396 women) showed benign conditions, while 60% required no further follow-up.
Results by island
- Mallorca: over 20,000 women attended their screening.
- Menorca: more than 3,000 mammograms were performed, with a 76% participation rate.
- Ibiza and Formentera: 3,500 women attended, accounting for 68% of those invited.
Programme improvements in 2025
Implemented in 1998, the screening programme underwent major modernization and automation upgrades in 2025, improving efficiency and expanding coverage.
With the support of the Balearic Health Service (Servei de Salut), invitations increased by 7% in the first ten months of the year, equivalent to 1,000 additional appointments per month compared to the same period in 2024.
Early detection saves lives
On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, the Ministry of Health renewed its call for women to attend their screening appointments.
“Mammograms save lives. They allow us to detect tumours at a very early stage, when treatment is more effective and the chances of a full recovery are much higher,” said Minister Manuela García.
The five-year survival rate for early-detected cases now exceeds 98%, underlining the crucial role of screening and medical advances in reducing mortality and improving quality of life.