Andalusia Increases Investment in Equipment for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment by 426%

In recent years, the fight against breast cancer in Andalusia has seen significant progress, supported by a significant increase in investment in diagnostic and treatment equipment and devices.

During 2024, the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs invited 789,065 women to participate in the breast cancer screening program , a key strategy for the early detection of the disease. This effort has improved access to preventive studies and reduced the impact of this pathology on the population.

Increase in investment in Andalusia

The Minister of Health and Consumption, Rocío Hernández, highlighted in the Parliament of Andalusia that investment in medical technology for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has grown by 426% in recent years. In the period between 2014 and 2018 , 29.9 million euros were allocated to this cause, while between 2019 and 2023 the figure rose to 157.4 million . This budget increase has allowed the incorporation of new technologies, such as tomosynthesis, which improves the early detection of tumors.

Between 2014 and 2018, 29.9 million euros were allocated to this cause, while between 2019 and 2023 the figure rose to 157.4 million.

In addition, the autonomous community has expanded the age range of women who can access mammographic screening. Although the Ministry of Health recommends mammograms for women between 50 and 69 years of age, Andalusia has extended coverage to women between 49 and 71 years of age and has begun to progressively include those between 45 and 49 years of age.

Early detection

In 2024, of the 789,065 women invited to participate in screening, 532,852 responded to the call and 381,282 mammograms were performed, 13,000 more than in the previous year. This represented an increase in program participation to 71.55%, which means an increase of five percentage points compared to 2023. As a result of these tests, 2,464 positive cases were detected.

In 2024, of the 789,065 women invited to participate in screening, 532,852 responded to the call and 381,282 mammograms were performed, 13,000 more than in the previous year.

To improve the quality of screening, 70 professionals have been specifically trained in the use of tomosynthesis, an advanced technique that allows obtaining three-dimensional images of the breast and facilitates the identification of lesions in their early stages. In this context, 43 mammograms with this technology and two others without it have been incorporated into the public health system, with an investment of close to 11 million euros.

Mobile units and research

To improve accessibility to screening, the Andalusian Health Service has allocated 795,566.97 euros to the implementation of mobile mammography units , which allow the service to be brought closer to populations with less access to hospitals. On the other hand, research on breast cancer continues to be a priority in Andalusian public health. Currently, 269 studies are being carried out to improve the understanding of the disease, its diagnosis and treatment. These advances in research seek to optimize therapeutic protocols and reduce mortality associated with this pathology.

In fact, the screening and prevention strategy for breast cancer in Andalusia continues to evolve with the aim of expanding coverage and improving early detection. The progressive inclusion of women from the age of 45, the incorporation of more advanced medical technologies and the training of specialists reinforce the administration’s commitment to the health of the female population.

As stated by Councillor Hernández, the aim is to ensure that no woman at risk of developing breast cancer is left out of the screening programme . With increasing investment and greater citizen participation, Andalusia is positioned at the forefront in the fight against this disease, reaffirming the key role of prevention and early detection in improving clinical outcomes and the quality of life of patients.

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(Featured image by Angiola Harry via Unsplash)

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First published in GACETA MEDICA. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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