Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Austria. Around 7,000 women receive this diagnosis every year. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Austria's breast cancer screening programme “früh erkennen” offers women aged between 45 and 74 a free mammogram every two years, without a referral, simply with their e-card.
What is Austria's breast cancer screening programme?
The “früh erkennen” programme is Austria's organised, quality-assured breast cancer screening programme (Information about the programme on frueh-erkennen.at (opens in a new window)). It was designed to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, before symptoms such as a palpable lump or skin changes appear. From the age of 45, the e-card is automatically activated for screening mammograms; women also receive a reminder letter.
Unlike diagnostic mammography, which is only carried out when there are specific complaints, screening is aimed at healthy women without symptoms. The goal is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by detecting tumours early, while they are still small and localised.
Who can take part in the screening?
Austria's breast cancer screening programme is aimed at:
- Women aged between 45 and 74: every two years, e-card automatically activated
- Women aged between 40 and 44: can register for the programme
- Women aged 75 and over: can register for the programme
The examination is free of charge and billed using your e-card. No referral is required.
The programme is intended for women without an increased risk. If there is a family history, further assessment takes place with a doctor's referral, where appropriate as part of high-risk screening.
What happens during a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast, in which each breast is imaged from two angles (from above and obliquely). This means two images are taken of each breast. The breast is briefly compressed between two plates. This is necessary to achieve the best possible image quality with the lowest radiation dose.
The actual examination only takes a few minutes. With today's digital mammography technology, the radiation dose is low; in the recommended age group, the benefits of early detection outweigh the risks.
Tips for preparation
- Don't use deodorant, powder or lotion on your chest area on the day of the examination. These can cause artefacts on the image.
- Be sure to bring any previous images with you, if you have them. Comparisons are essential.
- Wear comfortable clothing that's easy to remove from the waist up.
- The best time for an appointment is the first half of your cycle (day 7 to 14), as the breast is less sensitive then.
Double reading: double the safety at our practice
As a certified site of the Austrian breast cancer screening programme, we meet its strict quality guidelines. One key quality feature: every mammogram is assessed independently by two radiologists (double reading).
This double assessment is a key part of quality assurance and significantly increases the breast cancer detection rate, as shown by international studies.
Mammogram at Röntgen am Kai in Graz
Röntgen am Kai in Graz is a certified site of the breast cancer screening programme. What you can expect from us:
- Digital mammography with high image resolution and the lowest possible radiation dose
- Double reading by two experienced, specialised radiologists
- Certified quality according to the criteria of the Austrian screening programme
- A personal atmosphere
- Appointments by phone; for screening, with your e-card, without a referral
- Option of an ultrasound scan as an additional examination for dense breast tissue
We take the time to answer your questions and make the examination as comfortable as possible for you.
What the science says: 5 key studies on breast cancer screening
The effectiveness of mammography screening is supported by numerous international studies. Here are five of the most important PubMed publications that form the basis of modern breast cancer screening:
1. EUSOBI recommendations for breast cancer screening (2024)
Marcon M, Fuchsjäger MH, Clauser P, Mann RM. ESR Essentials: screening for breast cancer - general recommendations by EUSOBI. Eur Radiol. 2024;34(10):6348-6357. PubMed: 38656711
The European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) recommends a mammogram every two years for women between 50 and 70. In Austria, the programme already applies from age 45. The study highlights the central role of mammography as the gold standard in population-based breast cancer screening.
2. Mammography and ultrasound vs. mammography alone (2023, Cochrane)
Glechner A, Wagner G, Mitus JW, et al. Mammography in combination with breast ultrasonography versus mammography for breast cancer screening in women at average risk. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;3:CD009632. PubMed: 36999589
This systematic Cochrane review compares combining mammography with a breast ultrasound scan to mammography alone. The results show that additional ultrasound can increase the detection rate for dense breast tissue, a topic especially relevant for younger women.
3. Artificial intelligence in mammography (2023)
Yoon JH, Strand F, Baltzer PAT, et al. Standalone AI for Breast Cancer Detection at Screening Digital Mammography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Radiology. 2023;307(5):e222639. PubMed: 37219445
This meta-analysis examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in evaluating mammograms. The results show that AI systems can achieve a detection rate similar to that of experienced radiologists, in some cases even higher. AI support in reporting is a growing field that further increases diagnostic certainty.
4. Screening for extremely dense breast tissue (2022, EUSOBI)
Mann RM, Athanasiou A, Baltzer PAT, et al. Breast cancer screening in women with extremely dense breasts recommendations of the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI). Eur Radiol. 2022;32(6):4036-4045. PubMed: 35258677
Women with extremely dense breast tissue have an increased risk of breast cancer, and tumours are harder to detect on a mammogram. This EUSOBI recommendation advocates additional imaging (e.g. MRI or ultrasound) for this group of patients. We offer ultrasound at our practice, but not MRI; whether an additional examination makes sense is decided individually by your doctor.
5. Breast cancer screening programmes in Europe (2023)
Cardoso R, Hoffmeister M, Brenner H. Breast cancer screening programmes and self-reported mammography use in European countries. Int J Cancer. 2023;152(12):2512-2527. PubMed: 36883419
This study compares breast cancer screening programmes in 32 European countries. Austria is among the countries with a structured, quality-assured programme, unlike many other countries where screening only takes place on a person's own initiative.
Frequently asked questions about mammograms
Is the radiation exposure dangerous?
The radiation dose from a modern digital mammogram is very low. It's roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation you're exposed to over a few weeks. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the theoretical risk.
Does the examination hurt?
Compression of the breast can feel uncomfortable, and rarely painful. However, it only lasts a few seconds per image. It's best to book your appointment in the first half of your cycle, as the breast is less sensitive then.
What happens if the result is abnormal?
An abnormal finding does not automatically mean breast cancer. In most cases, it turns out to be a benign change. If the result is abnormal, further assessment is recommended (e.g. additional images, ultrasound or, in rare cases, a biopsy). We will support you through this process.
Can I come for a mammogram even without an invitation?
Yes. Women aged between 45 and 74 don't need a letter: their e-card is automatically activated, so they can simply book an appointment at our practice. Women aged between 40 and 44 and women aged 75 and over can register for the programme – via the service line 0800 500 181 or at www.frueh-erkennen.at (opens in a new window). The programme is not intended for women under 40.
Conclusion: early detection
Breast cancer screening is one of the most successful preventive measures in modern medicine. The Austrian “früh erkennen” programme gives you the opportunity to take care of your health free of charge, without a referral, and with certified quality.
Book your mammogram appointment at our practice, Röntgen am Kai, in Graz. Every screening mammogram is taken with digital technology and double-read.
Mammogram appointments are booked by phone.