The Balearic Islands Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme led to the diagnosis of 92 tumours at different stages during 2025, a year that also saw a significant increase in the number of women attending screening mammograms. In total, 32,232 women underwent screening, 20% more than the 26,826 recorded in 2024.

Breast cancer in the Balearic Islands

According to figures from the Conselleria de Salut, the programme attracted 5,406 more participants than the previous year. The participation rate reached 75% of women invited, five percentage points higher than in 2024.

The aim of the screening programme is to detect potential tumours in their early stages, even before they can be felt. The Conselleria points out that taking part in these programmes can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%.

Breast cancer screening participation increases in the Balearic Islands

During 2025, the Direcció General de Salut Pública sent out 43,202 invitations to take part in the programme, 4,664 more than the previous year, representing a 12% increase. The coverage rate stood at 66%, more than two percentage points higher than in 2024.

By island, Mallorca accounted for the largest number of participants, although Menorca recorded the highest percentage of women attending screening:

  • Mallorca: 24,020 women, with a participation rate of 74%.
  • Eivissa and Formentera: 4,372 women, with a participation rate of 72%.
  • Menorca: 3,840 women, with a participation rate of 82%.

According to the Conselleria de Salut, the 2025 figures are the highest recorded by the regional programme to date.

Mammograms lead to 92 breast cancer diagnoses

Of the 32,232 women who took part in screening, 1,139 were referred to the breast units at their designated hospitals for further tests. This represents approximately 3.5% of participants.

These additional tests resulted in 92 breast cancer diagnoses at different stages. Of these, 77 cases were recorded in Mallorca, 11 in Eivissa and Formentera, and four in Menorca.

Early detection makes it possible to identify potential lesions before symptoms appear and facilitates access to treatment at earlier stages of the disease.

Who can take part in the programme and how appointments are arranged

The Balearic Islands Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme is currently aimed at women aged between 45 and 74 who have no symptoms of the disease.

One of the changes to the programme is the introduction of an appointment system using SMS text messages, replacing the letters previously sent to women’s homes.

The message includes the information needed to attend the mammogram:

  • The screening test for which the appointment has been arranged.
  • The date, time and location of the appointment.
  • A telephone number to request a change if the woman cannot attend on the scheduled date.

The Conselleria de Salut encourages eligible women to attend their screening appointments, given the importance of detecting potential tumours before symptoms develop.