Free mammograms are available, but few people are taking advantage of them. EU countries are looking for ways to encourage women to undergo screenings, with Poland lagging behind

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Gazeta Wyborcza

Low mammography screening rates persist in Poland despite free access; barriers include fear and lack of awareness.

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Despite free mammography being available to women aged 45–74 through the National Health Fund in Poland, only about 33% of eligible women utilize the screening. Barriers cited by respondents include fear of diagnosis, numerous obligations, inconvenient appointment times, lack of awareness regarding free screenings, and perceived unavailability of appointments, even though nationwide availability is high. Experts emphasize the need to make mammography easier than postponing it. Globally, breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women, yet Poland lags behind other European nations in screening uptake. Socioeconomic factors contribute to lower participation rates, particularly among those with lower income, less education, rural residents, and migrants. International examples show successful strategies include mobile mammography units, multilingual materials, comprehensive care packages (like immediate ultrasound after a dense breast finding), and proactive outreach rather than waiting for patient initiative. In Poland, efforts are being made to improve access through online booking starting in 2026 and reminder notifications via SMS/apps, aiming to rebuild trust lost when paper invitations ceased. Key lessons from Europe suggest that mammography must be accessible without excessive formalities, and general campaigns are insufficient against cultural or educational barriers.

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