rintasyöpäseulonta

Rintasyöpäseulonta is a Finnish term referring to breast cancer screening. It is a public health program aimed at detecting breast cancer early in women, when it is more treatable and has a better prognosis. The primary method used in organized screening programs is mammography, an X-ray examination of the breasts.

In Finland, organized breast cancer screening is typically offered to women aged 50 to 69. Invitations are usually sent out every two years. Women are encouraged to attend their scheduled screening appointment. If a mammogram shows a suspicious area, further diagnostic tests, such as additional mammographic views, ultrasound, or a biopsy, may be recommended to determine if cancer is present.

The goal of screening is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by identifying the disease at an early, often asymptomatic, stage. While screening can detect cancers that might not otherwise be found until later, it is important to note that no screening test is perfect. False positives, where the screening indicates cancer but further tests show none, can cause anxiety. False negatives can occur, where cancer is present but not detected by the screening.

Participation in breast cancer screening is voluntary. Decisions about screening should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals, considering individual risk factors and potential benefits and harms. Information about Rintasyöpäseulonta is available from health authorities and healthcare providers in Finland.