Israel Cancer Association - Annual Report 2023

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In October 2023, the Israel Cancer Association launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marking the global fight against breast cancer in Israel and worldwide. Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant disease among women in Israel. Each year, about 5,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Israel. Moshe Bar Haim , ICA Director General, says that: "Israel is among the leading countries in breast cancer recovery rates in women, thanks to the increase in early detection, as well as the growing public awareness to the disease and to improving treatment methods. The earlier the disease is detected, the recovery rates can reach about 90%. I call on women to continue being aware and getting checked according to their age." National Mammography Screening Program The National Mammography Screening Program was initiated by the ICA over 20 years ago, and has been implemented ever since in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and HMOs. Over the years, the program has been monitored and funded by the ICA: from population-based diagnostic radiology screening among the target group of women ages 50-74, through surgical procedures and pathological diagnosis, to monitoring of women diagnosed with malignant tumors. ICA Mobile Mammography Unit As part of the national screening program, and in order to increase women's compliance to take the mammography screening in geographical and social peripheries, the ICA purchased its first Mobile Mammography Unit, 'Michal', in 2001, with the aim of raising compliance amongst women in the geographical and social peripheries to undergo mammography screenings. The mobile mammography unit has helped reduce the gaps in compliance rates between the various sectors, such as ultra

Orthodox and new immigrant women, and the disparities between Jewish and Arab women have been completely eradicated. During 2023, about 17,000 screening tests were administered across the country. The mobile mammography unit has been operating since 2010 by Assuta Medical Center, servicing members of all HMOs. Today, Israel is ranked at the top of the European chart in mammography screening compliance, while reducing disparities, and on the global chart, is among the leading countries in breast cancer recovery rates in women. The mobile unit's route is updated on a regular basis and is accompanied by the ICA's information program. 'Mammo' Campaign: Mammography at 45 In marking breast cancer awareness month, a new campaign was launched, encouraging women to consider undergoing mammography from the age of 45, per physician consultation. The campaign was initiated and funded by the ICA, thanks to public contributions, and featured on TV, digital platforms, newspapers and radio. The creative campaign was produced by Gitam BBDO on a voluntary basis and its health recommendations are according to the Ministry of Health. These recommendations determine that

alongside the early detection national program of one screening once every two years for women over 50, women who wish to, can take the screening from age 45, after consulting a family physician.

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