Published: 2025-12-09

Geographic Variation in Screening Mammography Coverage Across Poland: A Nationwide Dataset Analysis

Mateusz Jankowski
European Journal of Health Policy, Humanization of Care and Medical Ethics
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/ejhp.0707.05

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Early detection enables timely therapy and improves prognosis. Therefore, this study assesses the coverage of screening mammography in counties and communes in Poland based on data published by the National Health Fund. This study is a retrospective analysis of a dataset on a publicly funded breast cancer prevention program, published on October 1, 2025 by the National Health Fund. Data are presented for all counties and communes in Poland. Regional differences in screening mammography coverage were found, with the lowest coverage being in southeastern Poland
and the highest in central-western Poland. In one commune (Bolesław commune in Dąbrowski County), the coverage was below 10%. Overall, 6 of the bottom 20 communes with the lowest rates were in Gorlicki County. The highest screening mammography coverage rate (65.59%) was in Latowicz commune in Miński County. Only in 4 communes in Poland did the coverage exceed 60% of the eligible population. Overall, 4 of the top 20 communes with the highest coverage were in Siedlecki County (Table 1). Out of the 20 communes with the highest screening mammography coverage rates, 7 were located in Mazowieckie Voivodeship. This study found that screening
mammography coverage under the publicly funded cancer screening program in Poland was significantly below the population targets. Moreover, regional differences in coverage were observed.

Keywords:

breast cancer, mammography, prevention, early detection, screening

Download files

Cited by / Share

This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.