The Algarve Oncology Association (AOA) has announced the launch of a new round of its Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Programme, which began last month (September).
Significantly, the screening age range has now been expanded to include women aged 45 to 74 (inclusive), a change that will allow almost twice as many women to benefit from early detection compared with the previous range of 50 to 69 years.
To meet the growing demand, the AOA is acquiring a second Mobile Screening Unit, which will soon join the existing one on the road. Both units will be equipped with the latest high-resolution 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) technology and artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring women across the Algarve have access to fast, accurate, and high-quality screening.
The AOA encourages all women within the eligible age range – including duly registered foreign residents – to ensure their personal details are up to date with their local Health Centre. Those not yet registered should do so as soon as possible, bringing valid identification and, if required, proof of residence.
By keeping their information current, women will automatically be included in the Algarve’s breast cancer screening programme and invited to attend a free screening appointment when the Mobile Unit visits their area.
AOA President, Dr. Maria de Lurdes dos Santos Pereira, said: “Early detection saves lives. By expanding our age range and increasing our capacity, we are making this vital screening more accessible than ever before.”
For more information about the screening programme or upcoming Mobile Unit locations, visit aoa.pt
Citizens with a valid Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) user number can also register directly for screening at rastreio.aoa.pt
Mobile Breast Screening Unit video.
