statutory early detection
Breast screening via mammography
For women aged between 50 and 75: The statutory mammography screening is free of charge every two years. We explain how it works – and what you can do if you haven’t received an invitation yet.
Basics
What is mammography screening?
The Mammography Screening Programme is the nationwide early detection programme for breast cancer, aimed at all women aged between 50 and 75. You will automatically receive a written invitation to the screening every two years from the relevant central office. Participation is voluntary.
The Mammography Screening Programme contributes significantly to reducing breast cancer mortality – this is the finding of a comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer mortality within the German Mammography Screening Programme, which was presented in Berlin on 9 July 2025.
The study results show that, among women who took part in the screening, breast cancer deaths fell by between 20 and 30 per cent. This means that one in four breast cancer deaths in the eligible group can be prevented. These findings provide compelling evidence that the benefits of mammography screening for participating women far outweigh the very low radiation risk associated with the examination.
Only certified centres are permitted to take part in the mammography screening programme. The programme is subject to specific quality requirements and is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is carried out as safely and consistently as possible.
Our doctors and medical technologists at our Quartz Screening Centres are specially trained for this purpose. The quality of the examinations, from the procedure itself to the interpretation of the results, is monitored externally.
A standardised digital mammography examination is carried out; this takes only a few minutes and you will receive your results at home after about a week. In rare cases, for example where there are unclear lesions in the breast, you will be invited back for further investigation. Well over 80 per cent of women who are invited for a further diagnostic examination leave the practice without a breast cancer diagnosis.
You can find much more information at: http://www.mammo.de
Mammography vs. curative mammography
What’s the difference?
Mammography screening:
- For women aged 50–75 with no symptoms
- You will automatically receive an invitation every 2 years
- The mammography screening centre to which you are invited depends on your registered address.
Curative mammography
If you have any symptoms, such as a newly detected lump, changes in your breast or discharge from the nipple, the examination will only be carried out on the advice of a doctor. In the case of breast cancer follow-up care, the examination will also be carried out after consultation with your specialist.
If you are covered by the state health insurance scheme, you will always need a referral from your gynaecologist. If you have private health insurance and do not have a doctor’s referral with you, we will assess the medical necessity on the spot and discuss the most appropriate examination method with you.
⚠️ Important: Screening is not a substitute for diagnostic investigation in the event of symptoms
If you have acute symptoms or notice any abnormalities in your breast, seek advice from a gynaecologist as soon as possible. They will advise you on an individual basis and take further steps if necessary.
Invitation by post
From the age of 50, you will receive an invitation to a mammography screening every two years. If you do not receive an invitation, please contact the organisation responsible for sending them. There are several such appointment booking services in Germany.
You can find the one responsible for your area at: https://www.mammo-programm.de/de/termin
Your screening appointment
Your written invitation will include the address and a suggested appointment date (subject to change). Please ensure you bring your invitation letter and the completed medical history form with you to your mammogram appointment.
If you are covered by statutory health insurance, please also remember to bring your health insurance card.
Important: if you have had any previous mammograms at other clinics, please bring these with you to your appointment. We are obliged to compare them and need them to avoid unnecessary additional examinations.
Investigation
Two X-rays will be taken of each breast; to do this, you will be positioned on the mammography machine and your breast will be placed on a detector. There will be a very brief compression of the breast, which some people find uncomfortable. This compression is necessary to ensure the X-rays are of the highest quality and to reduce the radiation dose. The examination takes only a few minutes.
Please avoid using powder, deodorant or creams on your chest and underarms on the day of the examination.
Findings
Following the examination, two specialists in screening will always review your mammogram and compare it with any previous images you may have. Both will produce an independent
assessment. If the results of the two assessments are not identical, the mammogram images will be presented to all screeners at a consensus meeting, and further diagnostic steps for your specific case will be decided in consultation with the doctor in charge of the programme. For this reason, you may be invited back for further investigations
Results & next steps
If the results are normal, you will receive a letter – and your next invitation in two years’ time. If the results are abnormal, you will be invited for further investigation. This does not automatically mean you have cancer.
FAQ
Questions about mammography screening
The invitation you will receive by post will state the address of your designated mammography unit. It will also include a telephone number and online contact details. If you wish to change your appointment, please use the contact details provided there.
Important: Appointments for the mammography screening programme cannot be booked on the Quartz website or via Doctolib.