4 ways Region Västernorrland boosts participation in mammography screenings

Breast cancer, a stealthy adversary, strikes when least expected. Mammography, a powerful early detection tool, offers hope. But regrettably, too many women miss the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment.

As mentioned in an article by Eric Arelöf, the Unit Manager at the Mammography center in Region Västernorrland, Sweden, there are a lot of challenges when it comes to participation in mammography screenings.

There is a significant participation gap between women born in the Nordic region and women born outside of it. While an impressive 86.7 percent of women in Västernorrland attend their scheduled mammography appointments, a troubling disparity persists.

Region Västernorrlands strategies to boosts mammography participation

1. Collaborating with SFI programs

Eric Arelöf and his dedicated team have initiated a series of innovative measures to bridge this participation divide. Their collaboration with the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) programs in municipalities is aimed at integrating comprehensive information about mammography examinations into education. By emphasizing mammography as a vital component of women's health, they aim to heighten awareness and participation.

2. Participating in a quality register

Region Västernorrland's participation in a national quality register for mammography stands as a remarkable stride forward in Sweden. This register facilitates rigorous monitoring, ensuring high-quality screening throughout the process. It's a pivotal step towards transforming mammography from a mere routine into a potent weapon in the battle against breast cancer.

3. Using a medical translation app

To address language barriers that often deter women from participating in screenings, Region Västernorrland is actively using the Care to Translate app. This translation app lets the staff instruct, inform and communicate the significance of mammography to women, regardless of their native language.

"The app reduces the need to use body language and enables the staff to ask the necessary questions directly to the patients. This saves time and increases efficiency." Sara Danielsson, Radiology technologist at Region Västernorrland

"Language barriers often lead to poorer quality of the mammography images." Sara says. "This can result in patients having to reschedule their appointments. But with Care to Translate, the quality of the images improves significantly."

4. Rolling out an educational program

Last but not least, Eric Arelöf has initiated an education program centered on the cultural aspects of women's perceptions of screening and cancer. By understanding and adapting to diverse cultural perspectives, the aim is to shatter barriers and inspire more women to participate in screenings.

In conclusion

Eric Arelöf and his team's endeavors signify a resolute commitment to achieving health equity, ensuring that as many women as possible benefit from mammography. Their inventive strategies serve as a beacon for raising awareness and bolstering participation in screening programs.

To save more lives, it's important to persistently spread the message about the life-saving potential of mammography and dismantle the obstacles that hinder women from partaking in this pivotal health practice.