Beyond October: turning awareness into action

Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings a welcome focus on breast health, early detection, and the experience of those affected by breast cancer. However, the fight against the disease extends far beyond a single month, and the work behind the cause continues throughout the year.

About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women. As a result, breast cancer screening has become one of the most important tools in improving early detection and patient outcomes. Yet access to screening remains uneven across the world.

While many countries have well-established screening programs, others continue to face significant challenges in providing regular access to breast cancer screening. Healthcare resource constraints, socio-economic barriers, and geographic distances can all make it difficult for women to participate in screening. As a result, breast cancer may be detected only after symptoms appear, often at a more advanced stage.

Participation rates matter

In Finland, where Planmed is based, women benefit from a long-standing national breast cancer screening program, offering mammography screening every two years to women aged 50 to 69.

According to the Finnish Cancer Registry, more than 80% of the women invited participate in screening. Fewer than 3% of participants are referred for further examinations, and approximately one in five of these cases results in a breast cancer diagnosis. In Finland, around two-thirds of breast cancers diagnosed in women of screening age are detected through screening.

These figures demonstrate the impact that organized screening programs can have. However, participation rates depend not only on awareness but also on accessibility. When screening services are difficult to reach, participation may decline, reducing opportunities for early detection.

Making screening more accessible

For countries facing geographical challenges, finding ways to bring screening services closer to communities is essential. This is where mobile mammography units can make a real difference. To operate effectively in mobile environments, these units need to combine a compact design with a reliable performance in demanding conditions, where space may be limited and temperatures can vary.

Mobile mammography setting with Planmed Clarity™ installed in a screening van (Proximity Care, Italy)

By bringing screening directly to rural and remote areas, mobile units help reduce travel barriers, improve accessibility, and support higher participation rates. This helps ensure that more women have the opportunity to benefit from regular screening, regardless of where they live.

Innovation with a purpose

Improving access to screening is one of the most tangible ways of making a difference, but it requires a collective effort. Healthcare providers, policymakers, screening programs, and technology developers all have a role to play.

But how else can the industry contribute? We believe that innovation is one important part of the answer. At the same time, there is little point in developing technology for the sake of technology. Instead, it should genuinely support healthcare professionals in their daily work and help create a better experience for patients.

This thinking is reflected in our development activities and also strongly guided the development of Planmed Clarity+™, our latest mammography family, designed to support diagnostic precision, smooth workflows, and long-term adaptability.

Ultimately, however, technology is only one part of the equation. Real progress is made through the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, screening programs, and continued investment in breast cancer awareness and early detection.

Related resources:
Breast cancer screening in Finland (Finnish Cancer Registry)
Planmed Clarity+™ mammography solutions

Manufacturer Planmed Oy | CE 5098 MD Planmed Clarity | CE 5098 MD Planmed Clarity+