Israel Moves Towards Personalized Breast Cancer Screening

Israeli breast cancer experts are advocating for a shift from age-based screening to a personalized risk assessment model. Currently, around 6,000 women in Israel are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, with screening schedules primarily determined by age. However, leading oncologists argue that this approach leaves younger women at higher risk "under the radar." They propose a system that identifies women with elevated risk factors and tailors their follow-up plans accordingly, regardless of age.

This initiative was highlighted at a meeting hosted by the President's Residence, attended by members of the "One in Nine" organization and its scientific committee, including prominent Israeli breast cancer physicians. Professor Rinat Yerushalmi-Scharf presented national statistics, noting that while most women are diagnosed early, 3% are detected at the metastatic stage, directly impacting survival rates. The focus, she stated, is on reaching women who are currently missed by the system.

Professor Tanir Allweis emphasized that advancements in personalized medicine should extend to early detection. "Age alone is not enough to determine when and how a woman should be screened," she stated, adding that women under 50 are largely overlooked. She envisions a future where healthcare systems automatically calculate individual risk based on existing medical records and recommend appropriate surveillance, eliminating the need for women to proactively fill out questionnaires.

Professor Shani Paluch-Shimon addressed the unique challenges faced by younger women, particularly those under 40, who constitute 6-7% of new cases. Beyond the physical toll, these women grapple with career, family, fertility, and potential early menopause due to treatment. She also pointed out a significant disparity, with the rate of metastatic diagnosis reaching approximately 10% in the Haredi and Arab sectors in Jerusalem, compared to 3% nationally, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Tali Rosin, CEO of "One in Nine," stressed that the responsibility for early detection should not solely rest on women. The organization aims to move beyond the message of simply "get screened" to a proactive system where women are aware of their risks from a young age and the healthcare system identifies and supports high-risk individuals. First Lady Michal Herzog echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to ensure that early detection resources reach every woman in Israel, irrespective of age or community.