Screening examinations
Mammography
To prevent breast cancer, the collaborative area conducts occasionally repeated, free mammography scans of women.
Screenings are arranged to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Breast radiography, or mammography, has proven to be the best method.
In mammography, both breasts are imaged on an X-ray machine from two directions. The nurse alternately places the breasts on the imaging plane for compression. The compression takes a maximum of a few seconds at a time.
There is no significant harm from mammography. Radiation from breast X-rays is negligible.
Women between the ages of 50 and 68 are invited to the study by letter every two years.
The result will be announced in writing within a few weeks. If there is anything different in the pictures, we will call you for further examination by telephone. These may include new pictures, ultrasound examination and sampling.
About 3% of all women examined by mammography are invited for further examination. Most of them have different types of benign changes. Only 0.35% of all involved in screening have breast cancer.
If you have any questions, contact the customer service centre on weekdays 08:00–16:00, tel. 218 9000.
Cervical cancer screenings (pap tests)
Women are invited to the pap test by letter every five years (starting at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65). The letter provides instructions on what to do if the booked time is not suitable for you. The Papa screening test is free of charge.
Cervical cancer has precursors which can be found on screening and treated before the actual cancer can develop. Cervical cancer can be completely asymptomatic. However, most of the changes observed are harmless and self-healing.
Pap cell sampling does not usually hurt. A vaginal smear is taken from the base of the vagina and the cervix with a wooden spatula and from the cervical canal with a small brush. After the examination, you may have a small brownish leak.
A pap sample of cells is not taken during menstruation. White leakage does not interfere with sampling
You will receive the result of the cell sample by letter home. If there is a need for further examination based on the screening, you will receive instructions in the letter. If you have any questions, please contact the customer service centre on weekdays 08:00–16:00, tel. 218 9000
Call us for help on assessing your situation and guidance on our services.
Open Monday–Thursday from 08:00–15:00 and Fridays 08:00–14:00 (Variations between Municipalities may occur).
The number for a care needs assessment in Kristinestad is 06-218 6019 .