Spanish Breast Cancer Federation urges Ministry of Health to release Crucial Screening Data
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A lack of openness surrounding data from Spain’s breast cancer screening programs is hindering efforts to improve early detection and potentially jeopardizing public trust, according to a statement released October 24, 2025, by the Spanish Breast Cancer Federation (FECMA). The organization is calling for an urgent meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System to define precisely what data the Ministry of Health should possess and how it should be delivered.
Decades of Advocacy for Public Management
FECMA has long championed the public management of breast cancer screening programs, advocating for consistency across all Autonomous Communities. For over two decades, the federation has stressed the need for standardized practices regarding the ages of women invited for screenings, the methods used to interpret mammograms, and the evaluation of program quality and outcomes. “We reiterate our defense of public management of thes programs,” a FECMA representative stated, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach.
Data transparency as a Cornerstone of Effective Healthcare
The core of FECMA’s concern lies in the Ministry of Health’s current lack of access to extensive data from these vital programs. The organization outlined a detailed list of critical data points currently unavailable, including the number of women invited to participate, participation rates, the timeliness of mammogram appointments following invitations, the speed of results dialog, the percentage requiring further testing, the number of tumors detected through early screening, rates of relapse and metastasis, and ultimately, mortality rates.
“Only by having all the data, our Health System will have homogeneous and updated population registries of breast cancer,” FECMA asserts. this comprehensive data collection is seen as essential for refining screening strategies and improving patient outcomes. .
Patient Data Ownership and Concerns Over Privatization
FECMA firmly believes that the data generated by these screening programs ultimately belongs to the patients themselves, with the National Health System (SNS) acting as its custodian. The federation expressed strong disapproval of withholding this data from the Ministry of Health, characterizing it as “instrumentalizing patient data” and fostering “doubts and suspicions.”
Moreover, FECMA voiced concerns that any disruption to the current programs – whether through coverage issues or delayed responses – could erode public trust or be exploited as justification for outsourcing or privatizing aspects of the screening process.
Aligning with European Standards
The federation also hopes to see the ages of women invited to screening programs aligned with the latest recommendations from the european Union. Currently, there is a significant disparity in age ranges across Spain’s Autonomous Communities, creating inconsistencies in access to early detection services.
A Call for Urgent Action
FECMA is urging the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System to convene an emergency meeting to address these issues. The organization believes that establishing clear guidelines for data sharing will not only improve the effectiveness of breast cancer screening programs but also enhance the systems for inviting women to participate and reporting results.
Representing over 45,300 women affected by breast cancer through 49 associations across Spain, FECMA has been a leading voice in advocating for early detection and supporting research efforts as its founding in 2000. The organization’s continued commitment underscores the critical importance of maintaining public trust in, and improving the efficacy of, Spain’s breast cancer early detection programs.
For more information, contact the FECMA Press Office at T. 91 787 03 00. Find FECMA online at www.fecma.org, on X @fecma_, on Facebook @federacionespanoladecancerdemama, and on Instagram @fecma_.
