Malta Leads EU in Dramatic Rise of Breast Cancer Screening
Malta has recently emerged as the leading country in the European Union (EU) with the most significant increase in breast cancer screening rates over the past decade. A recent study conducted by Eurostat revealed that between 2011 and 2021, Malta’s breast cancer screening rate surged by more than half, marking the largest gain among EU nations.
In 2011, Malta had a screening rate of 51%, but this number skyrocketed to an impressive 78% by 2021. The screening rate represents women aged between 50 and 69 who underwent a mammogram within the preceding two years. It is a crucial preventive measure in the battle against breast cancer, which affects approximately 300 women in Malta each year.
Thanks to this remarkable progress, Malta rose from 15th place in the EU to a commendable fourth place, following Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, which boasted even higher screening rates of 83%, 82%, and 80%, respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum, the countries with the lowest screening rates in 2021 were Bulgaria (21%), Cyprus (25%), and Slovakia (26%). The report from Eurostat emphasized that compared to 2011, breast cancer screening rates had increased in six out of the 20 EU countries analyzed, with Malta, Lithuania, and Estonia leading the way in terms of improvements.
However, the study also shed light on the concerning fact that more than double the number of countries witnessed a decline in their screening rates over the same period. Thirteen out of the 20 countries experienced a decrease in screening rates, signifying the need for intensified efforts to combat this prevalent form of cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers affecting women and remains a leading cause of death among the female population. The importance of early detection through screening cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, including the disruption of preventative healthcare and screening programs.
In Malta, the impact of the pandemic on breast cancer screening services was evident. A backlog caused by the closure of the breast screening clinic for three months in 2020 resulted in women experiencing delays of up to a year for a mammogram. According to figures presented in Parliament, the number of breast screenings declined from nearly 13,300 in 2019 to 7,300 in 2020.
It is crucial to highlight that breast cancer screening programs are not only essential during the pandemic but also after its eventual containment. Public health authorities must ensure the smooth operation of such programs and address any backlog to prevent any further delays or potential negative consequences.
In conclusion, Malta’s remarkable achievement in dramatically increasing breast cancer screening rates over the past decade positions it as a frontrunner within the EU. The nation’s progress is a testament to its commitment to the health and well-being of its population. However, the study also serves as a call to action for countries experiencing declining screening rates, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
