A personal tragedy sparks a nationwide campaign
When María Varela from Galicia was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 43, she couldn’t believe she had fallen through the cracks of the healthcare system. In her region, as in most Spanish autonomous communities, breast cancer screenings for women begin only at age 50. María, the mother of a seven-year-old, was blindsided by the diagnosis. After months of despair, she decided to take action—determined that no one else would face the same fate.
Petition for change and public support
María launched an online campaign demanding breast cancer screening from age 40. In a short time, over 53,000 people and several medical organizations backed her initiative. According to the activist, this is not a political issue but a medical one: more and more young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. She notes that hospitals are increasingly treating patients under 50, and she urges officials to witness this reality first-hand.
Expert opinions and debate over the age to begin screening
The question of when to begin mass screenings remains a subject of debate among specialists. Some professional associations support lowering the starting age to 40, citing new technologies and a rise in cases among younger women. Others, such as the Breast Cancer Federation, argue that there is not yet enough scientific evidence for this, and suggest following the EU Council’s recommendation to start at 45. Doctors caution that early mammograms can lead to false alarms and unnecessary procedures, especially for women under 45.
Diagnostic challenges and regional disparities
Maria’s story is not unique. Her diagnosis was delayed: her back pain was long attributed to other causes, and the results of her tests were not reviewed promptly by doctors. As a result, her illness was detected only after an emergency visit. Spain lacks a unified database to accurately assess whether breast cancer is affecting younger women more frequently, but both patients and doctors share concerns about this troubling trend.
Authorities respond and prospects for change
The Ministry of Health is considering expanding the screening age range to 45–74 years. This issue is currently being studied by specialized agencies tasked with assessing the safety and effectiveness of any changes. In some regions, including Navarra, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Comunidad Valenciana, La Rioja, Ceuta, and Melilla, screenings are already available from age 45, while in Murcia, they start at 47.
The Economic and Social Dimensions of the Issue
María and other movement members are convinced: early diagnosis can not only save lives, but also save millions of euros in the treatment of advanced cancer cases. The cost of medication for patients with late-stage cancer is enormous, while prevention is less expensive for the healthcare system. In Spain, the early detection program for breast cancer has already reduced mortality by 20–40%, but the question of lowering the age for mass screening remains unresolved.
