Significantly, the screening age range has been expanded to include women aged 45 to 74 (inclusive), a change that will allow nearly twice as many women to benefit from early detection compared to the previous age group of 50 to 69 years.

To meet this growing demand, the A.O.A. is acquiring a second Mobile Screening Unit, which will soon join the existing service on the road. Both units will be equipped with the latest high-resolution 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) technology and A.I., ensuring women across the Algarve have access to fast, accurate, and high-quality screening.

The A.O.A. encourages all women within the eligible age range to update their personal details with their local Health Centre. Those who are not yet registered should do so as soon as possible, bringing valid identification and, if necessary, proof of residence.

By keeping their information current, women will automatically be included in the Algarve’s breast cancer screening programme and invited to attend a free screening appointment when the Mobile Unit visits their area.

A.O.A. President, Dr. Maria de Lurdes dos Santos Pereira, said: “Early detection saves lives. By expanding our age range and increasing our capacity, we are making this vital screening more accessible than ever before.”

For more information about the screening programme or upcoming Mobile Unit locations, visit https://aoa.pt.

Citizens with a valid Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) user number can also register directly for screening at https://rastreio.aoa.pt.