German health insurers reduce age for free mammograms
Public health insurers in Germany will soon lower the minimum age for free mammogram breast cancer screenings from 50 to 45.
Germany's public health insurers plan to lower the age requirement for free mammogram screenings for breast cancer. The Federal Joint Committee (GBA), the decision-making body of the German public healthcare system, has announced that women from the age of 45 will now be eligible for free mammograms. Previously, women aged 50 to 75 were entitled to a complimentary mammogram every two years.
This change aligns Germany's healthcare system with EU recommendations for breast cancer screening. While women under 45 currently receive an annual cancer screening at a gynaecologist, which includes a Pap smear from age 20 and manual breast cancer screening from age 30, those who desire a mammogram for peace of mind have previously had to cover the cost, which averages around 90 euros.
Breast cancer is the most common form among women under 45, with over 75,000 diagnoses made annually in Germany. The GBA anticipates that providing free mammograms to more women will lead to earlier diagnoses, improving treatment options and potentially reducing the number of breast cancer deaths in the country.
Written by urgent.news from IamExpat Germany (All Germany News)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
