Screenings

Breast cancer screening

L. Puusepa 8, G1 section, Radiology Clinic

In Estonia, breast cancer screening is carried out for early detection of breast cancer. The purpose of screening is to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, thereby reducing disease mortality and improving the quality of life of those affected. It is important that women go to the screening even if they do not have any complaints or symptoms as breast cancer does not manifest itself at an early stage.

Breast radiology, or mammography, is a low radiation dose that is safe for health.

Women with health insurance in the 50–69 age group are invited to the screening every two years.

In 2022, women born in the years 1954, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970 and 1972, who have valid EHIF insurance and have not undergone mammographic screening in the past two years, are expected to undergo breast cancer screening. The EHIF sends invitations to women born in the above-mentioned years to the address indicated in the population register, but due to the inaccuracy of the database, not all women may receive invitations – this does not mean that they cannot come to the screening. Therefore, if you were born in those years, you can still sign up for the screening without waiting for an invitation. The screening invitation is intended as a reminder to participate in the screening.

Breast cancer screening is free for the women with health insurance.

Women who are younger or older than the target group for screening should contact their family physician or gynaecologist with breast complaints for an examination, who will refer them to the screening if necessary. The screening is free for women with a referral at the Hospital.

Please register to a screening by calling 731 9411 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, the screening can also be performed on the basis of a referral from your doctor.

Mobile screenings in 2022

Cervical cancer screening

L. Puusepa 8, G2 section, Women’s Clinic

Women with health insurance who are 30 to 65 years of age are invited to cervical cancer screening every five years.

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is transmitted through contact, including sexual contact. If a woman becomes infected with certain types of HPV, changes in cervical cell growth, including pre-cancerous conditions and cervical cancer, can occur. This process is usually long and can take up to 10–25 years. Participating in screening helps detect potential cellular changes and precancerous conditions in a timely manner when they are treatable.

Cellular changes can be detected by a cytological (cell-based diagnosis) study, known as the PAP test, which is a worldwide recognised method of early detection of cervical cell changes. Regular PAP testing is also important because cervical cell changes and pre-cancerous conditions usually do not alter your well-being.

In 2022, women with health insurance born in the years 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992 will be invited to cervical cancer screening.

You do not need to be in the target group for screening for a PAP test carried out to detect or prevent cervical cancer. The PAP test is part of the routine admission to a gynaecologist or midwife and is taken every three years.

Book a time by calling the front desk at 731 9100.

Colon cancer screening

III floor of J section, Endoscopy Centre

Colon cancer screening allows for the detection of colon cancer at an earlier stage or before it occurs, i.e., in a pre-cancerous state in which people have low or high-risk polyps.

Colon cancer screening involves men and women aged 60–69 with health insurance. Screenings take place every two years. In 2022, men and women with health insurance born in 1954, 1956, 1958,1960 and 1962 are called for colon cancer screening.

A letter of invitation will be sent to the participants in the screening by post on behalf of the family physician at the address specified in the population register. The stool sampling kit required to participate in the screening is available from the family physician centre. The person needs to book a family nurse appointment. Once the sample has reached the laboratory, it is analysed and the data is entered to the Health Information System.

If the test is positive, you should contact the family physician centre for further examinations. A positive response to the primary test means nothing more than the need for further testing. The family physician prepares a referral letter for the screening coloscopy and provides the person with a laxative and instructions on use at home.

At the Tartu University Hospital, you can register for a coloscopy at the Endoscopy Centre at 731 9871 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).