Region Zealand in Denmark has launched its first of twelve permanent breast cancer screening centers, aiming to improve early detection and increase participation among women. The initiative replaces an outdated mobile unit model and expands access across the region.
Major Expansion of Breast Cancer Screening in Region Zealand
Region Zealand is taking significant steps to strengthen its breast cancer screening program by opening the first of 12 permanent screening clinics. The inaugural center, opened at Slagelse Hospital on October 23, 2025, marks a shift from mobile screening units to fixed locations, providing year-round access to this vital healthcare service.
Previously, screenings in the region were conducted via three mobile mammography buses that rotated among 12 locations. While this mobile model allowed broad geographic coverage, it came with limitations. The buses only offered screenings in each town temporarily and presented accessibility issues for individuals with mobility challenges.
With the implementation of permanent screening centers, Region Zealand aims to make breast cancer screenings easier, more accessible, and better integrated into residents’ daily lives.
New Locations Across the Region
Following the opening in Slagelse, the rollout continues with six more clinics scheduled to open in January 2026 in the towns of Køge, Faxe, Næstved, Nykøbing Falster, Nakskov, and Nykøbing Sjælland. Additional locations in Holbæk and Stege are expected to open by the end of March 2026. Two further clinics, in Ringsted and Kalundborg, were recently added to the plan as part of the 2026 regional budget agreement and are also slated for a March launch.
The city of Roskilde will retain its existing offer for breast cancer screening at Zealand University Hospital.
Once fully implemented, this program will make Region Zealand the region with the most breast cancer screening sites in Denmark, vastly improving coverage and convenience.
Focus on Increasing Participation
Currently, around 55,000 women in Region Zealand are invited to participate in breast cancer screening each year. This includes women aged 50 to 69, as well as women up to age 79 who have previously had breast cancer. In 2024, approximately 272 cases of breast cancer were detected through the region’s screening program.
Despite this, participation rates in the region lag behind the national average, with only 81 percent of invitees attending their appointments. Regional leaders hope that the addition of more permanent and conveniently located facilities will encourage greater turnout.
Improved Accessibility and Patient Experience
One of the key benefits of fixed screening sites is improved access for women who were previously deterred by the mobile units. The mammography buses required patients to climb stairs and change clothes in compact areas, presenting challenges for many. The new clinics feature improved physical accessibility and more comfortable settings, which are anticipated to draw back women who previously opted out of screening.
In addition to benefiting patients, the transition to permanent facilities will also improve working conditions for radiology staff, who previously performed their duties in the cramped confines of the mobile units.
More Personalized Scheduling
Beyond physical access, the new system will also bring enhancements to scheduling. Unlike in the past, when invitations were tied to when the mobile unit visited a specific area, future invitations will be based on each woman’s national identification number. This ensures a more personalized and consistent screening experience, following a model already adopted in other regions of Denmark.
Toward Early Detection and Better Outcomes
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Denmark, affecting approximately one in ten women over their lifetimes. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, making screening programs a critical component of public health strategy.
With this expansion, Region Zealand strengthens both preventive healthcare services and patient empowerment. Officials express optimism that the updated model will lead to earlier diagnoses, better survival rates, and a higher standard of care across the region. As this ambitious rollout unfolds over the coming months, thousands more women will gain reliable access to life-saving screenings closer to their homes.
