Breast cancer screening: when to go and where to turn
Breast cancer screening helps find breast cancer as early as possible, often before you notice a change in your breast yourself.
In Estonia, women aged 50-74 are invited to breast cancer screening every two years.
Screening is free of charge for women in that year's target group. This applies to both insured and uninsured women.
Is your year of birth on the 2026 list?
In 2026, women born in the following years are invited to breast cancer screening:
- 1952
- 1954
- 1956
- 1958
- 1960
- 1962
- 1964
- 1966
- 1968
- 1970
- 1972
- 1974
- 1976
If your year of birth is on this list, you are entitled to free breast cancer screening in 2026.
You do not need to wait for a paper invitation. The invitation referral is available in Terviseportaal from the start of the year and is valid until the end of the year.
Book an appointment directly in Terviseportaal, at a centre that provides screening, or on a mammography bus.
You can find the most up-to-date list of screening locations and mammography buses at https://soeluuring.ee/rinnavahk/
Bring an identity document with you.
If You have a breast concern or changes
Screening is intended mainly for women who do not currently have breast-related complaints.
If you notice a change in your breast or in the breast area, you do not need to wait for your screening year.
Contact a Rinnakabinet directly. No referral is needed.
For example if:
- You feel a new lump or thickening in the breast
- You notice a new change in the shape or size of the breast
- the nipple or the skin of the breast has changed
- there is discharge from the breast
- You have another new or unexplained breast-related concern
No woman should remain without assessment of a breast concern only because her year of birth is not currently in the screening target group.
If you need general medical help on the same day, outside working hours, or on Saturdays and public holidays, you may turn to Valvekliinik (fee-based appointment).
How to prepare
Mammography does not require complicated preparation.
On the day of the examination, do not use deodorant, cream, or powder on the breasts or under the arms. These substances can affect the examination image.
If you still menstruate, days 5-15 of the cycle are often suitable for the examination. Breasts may be less sensitive then.
Tell the staff at the examination if you have breast implants.
The examination takes about 20 minutes. The breast is placed briefly between two plates to obtain a clear image. The pressure may be uncomfortable, but it usually lasts only a short time.
Results
The mammography result usually appears in Terviseportaal about two weeks after the examination.
If further tests are needed, you will be contacted.
If a breast-related complaint appears before the result arrives or later, do not wait for the next screening. Contact a Rinnakabinet directly. No referral is needed.
Created 27.09.2026 · Edited 27.09.2026