Germany lowers mammogram screening age to 45 for earlier breast cancer detection

Germany has lowered the minimum age for breast cancer screening via mammography from 50 to 45. The change aims to improve early detection, though some details on coverage and implementation are still under review. Women in the new age group currently face out-of-pocket costs for the procedure.

The decision to expand screening follows research suggesting that early detection benefits for women aged 45 to 49 outweigh potential radiation risks. Previously, only women aged 50 and above were eligible for routine mammograms under the national programme.

The Federal Joint Committee now has 18 months to determine whether earlier mammograms will be covered as a standard insured benefit. Until then, women under 50 must pay for the procedure themselves.

A further update allows medical assistants (MFAs) to perform mammograms without a doctor physically present. Supervision is provided remotely through IT systems, ensuring safety and accuracy.

The 2023 evaluation report by the Kooperationsgemeinschaft Mammographie confirms the screening programme remains active for women aged 50 to 69. However, it does not provide exact participation figures or age distribution trends from recent years.

The new policy enables women aged 45 and older to access mammography screening, though funding decisions are still pending. If approved, earlier mammograms will become a standard insured service, removing the current financial barrier for younger women.