Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Early detection of changes offers a very good chance of successful treatment, which is why prevention and regular screening play a crucial role in the fight against the disease.
Breast cancer accounts for almost 24 per cent of all cancer cases among women in Poland. The most important factor influencing the effectiveness of treatment is the detection of the cancer at the earliest possible stage of development.
Clinical trials have shown that among women aged 50–69 who underwent mammography every year or every two years, mortality from breast cancer fell by 25–30 per cent.
It is advisable to carry out breast self-examinations regularly from the age of 20. It is a simple habit that helps you spot any worrying changes sooner and keep better track of your breast health.
Breast ultrasound is recommended from the age of 20, particularly for women with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer. The scan is best carried out once a year, especially if a mammogram is not yet recommended.
Mammography is a screening test recommended for women aged 40 and over. It is usually carried out every two years, or once a year if medically indicated.
| The examination | Age | Frequency |
| Breast self-examination | From the age of 20 | Every month |
| Breast ultrasound | From the age of 20 to 40 (or longer, if recommended as a supplement to mammography) | At least once a year (or more frequently if indicated) |
| Mammography | From the age of 40 | Every 2 years (or more frequently, if indicated) |
Self-examination is no substitute for mammograms and ultrasound scans when it comes to detecting changes at an early stage, but it remains an important part of preventive care.
Breast cancer screening involves a range of diagnostic methods which differ in terms of technique but share a single aim – the early detection of cancerous changes. The choice of method depends on age, breast structure and individual risk factors for breast cancer.
Breast ultrasound (USG) is one of the key imaging tests used in the prevention and diagnosis of breast cancer. This method uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of breast tissue, enabling the detection and assessment of various types of lesions. Ultrasound is particularly useful in assessing tumours and lesions not visible on mammography, and also complements the diagnosis of lesions detected by this examination.
Mammography is an imaging examination used in the prevention and diagnosis of breast cancer, which uses X-rays to produce detailed images of breast tissue. Mammography makes it possible to detect even minor abnormalities that may not be visible on an ultrasound scan. It is a particularly effective method for the early detection of breast cancer — up to 2–3 years before any changes become detectable during a self-examination. Mammography is recommended primarily for women over the age of 40 as part of regular screening.
Genetic testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is used to assess the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. They involve analysing genetic material taken from a blood or saliva sample to detect any mutations that may increase a person’s predisposition to the disease. The test is particularly recommended for people with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A positive test result does not mean a cancer diagnosis, but indicates a significantly increased risk of developing the disease in the future.
A breast biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from a suspicious lesion in the breast for detailed histopathological assessment. The procedure is carried out when a mammogram or breast ultrasound reveals abnormalities requiring further investigation. A biopsy helps to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant, or whether further treatment is necessary. The type of biopsy is selected on a case-by-case basis by the doctor, depending on the nature and location of the lesion.
The reliability of results is crucial in breast cancer screening, which is why it is worth choosing centres with experience, modern equipment and their own diagnostic facilities.
Our clinics are staffed by qualified gynaecologists and radiologists with many years’ experience. Thanks to the team’s high level of expertise, you can be sure that your examination will be carried out professionally and in complete safety.
You can check your test results online on the medipoint.pl platform. It’s quick, convenient and secure.
The INVICTA Clinic in Gdańsk runs a free mammography screening programme under the National Health Fund (NFZ). This means that patients with a referral can have the scan carried out free of charge without any problems.
The INVICTA Group operates certified Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, which are widely recognised as being among the best in Poland and worldwide. This means you can be confident in the results of your tests.
As many as 90% of the patients surveyed would recommend a consultation with our gynaecologists to their friends, giving a rating of 9 or 10 on a scale of 0 to 10. This is a tremendous honour, which motivates us to continually improve the services we provide for women.
All you need to do is fill in the contact form or call our helpline and choose a convenient appointment time. If you choose to get in touch via the form, one of our consultants will contact you by phone and provide you with all the necessary information.
You can have an ultrasound scan at one of the three INVICTA Clinics – in Gdańsk, Warsaw or Wrocław.
You can have a mammogram at the INVICTA Clinic in Gdańsk.
At INVICTA Clinics, breast cancer prevention is handled by a team of experienced gynaecologists, radiologists and oncologists with over 20 years’ clinical experience. Thanks to their expertise, personalised approach and modern diagnostic methods, examinations are carried out efficiently, and the results obtained are reliable and form the basis for further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Read what our patients have to say about us
The INVICTA Clinic in Gdańsk is a provider under the government’s breast cancer screening programme, which includes mammograms funded by the National Health Fund.
At INVICTA Clinics, we guarantee a consistently high standard of care, regardless of whether the appointment is a private consultation or covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ). The consultation takes place at the same location and lasts for the same amount of time as a private appointment. This allows the doctor to take a thorough medical history and carry out a full examination.
The following changes should give cause for concern:
If you notice any of these changes, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Yes. A mammogram is a safe examination, even though it uses X-rays. However, the dose of radiation used in this examination is very low and strictly controlled, so the health risk is minimal.
You do not need to make any special preparations for a mammogram. However, on the day of the examination, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Yes. Women with a family history of breast cancer, particularly among first-degree relatives (mother, sister), may require earlier and more frequent screening. This is due to an increased risk, which may have a genetic basis. The age at which screening begins, the type of screening (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) and the frequency should be determined on an individual basis during a medical consultation.
The most important risk factors include:
It is worth remembering that the presence of one or more risk factors does not mean that the disease will definitely develop. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent this.
Mammograms are not recommended during pregnancy, as they use X-rays, which may affect the developing foetus. If the test is necessary, your doctor may decide to use other diagnostic methods, such as a breast ultrasound scan.
Mammograms can be carried out whilst breastfeeding, although the images can sometimes be more difficult to interpret due to changes in breast tissue. For this reason, doctors often recommend ultrasound as the first-line investigation and consider a mammogram depending on the clinical indications.
No. A positive mammogram result does not always mean breast cancer. The scan may detect changes in the breasts that require further investigation. These are often benign changes, such as cysts or fibroadenomas, which are not cancerous. In such situations, the doctor usually orders a breast ultrasound scan and, if necessary, a biopsy, to definitively determine the nature of the change detected.
