'J'peux pas, j'ai Mammo': our new awareness campaign for the Mammotest

Currently, less than 10 % of all women in Brussels and Wallonia accept the government's invitation for a free screening mammogram. This figure is far below the European recommendations. This is why we are launching the 'J'peux pas, j'ai Mammo' campaign in Brussels and Wallonia. Our goal: to convince as many women as possible between the ages of 50 and 69 to take part in the government's breast cancer screening.

The Mammotest: a free breast screening

The Mammotest is a free two-yearly screening mammogram for all Belgian women between 50 and 69 years of age and is organised by the government. If you live in Flanders, you receive an invitation with a proposal for an appointment. If you live in Brussels or Wallonia, you receive an invitation letter to make an appointment yourself at a recognised mammography centre. Every year, more than 11,000 people are affected by breast cancer in our country. Thanks to the Mammotest, breast cancer can be detected at an early stage, even before the first symptoms are visible. Early detection means less invasive treatment and higher survival rates.

Less than 1 out of 10 women get screened

The low participation rate in the official screening programs in Brussels and Wallonia has been a painful issue for years. In 2020, the participation rate in Flanders was 52.8 %, in Brussels 8.1 %, and in Wallonia and the German-speaking Community only 4.1 %. At the European level, a participation rate of more than 75 % is recommended. In Brussels and Wallonia in particular, the figures are extremely low. So, it is about time to do something about that.

Beware of breast cancer, accept the invitation and make your free appointment

In Brussels and Wallonia, women more often choose the so-called opportunistic screening, a screening outside the organised screening of the government. Think Pink rather supports government screening because of its quality guarantee with double-blind reading: two specialised radiologists read the images independently. In case of doubt, a third specialist is called in. Moreover, participation in the government screening program is completely free of charge. With our new campaign ‘J'peux pas, j'ai Mammo', we hope to convince more women of the importance of screening. Our message? Accept the invitation, make an appointment and get screened.

The ‘J’peux pas, j'ai Mammo' campaign is launched today in cooperation with general practitioners, cities and municipalities, hospitals, and other Think Pink partners.

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