Breast Health

During the consultation, we discuss your symptoms, risk factors, and family history, and perform a clinical examination of the breasts and underarm (axillary) areas.

When should you see a mammologist?

Book an appointment if you: 

• Have noticed a lump, hardening, or another new change in your breast.
• Have breast pain, swelling, redness, or persistent tenderness.
• Have bloody or clear nipple discharge.
• Have noticed nipple inversion or other nipple changes.
• Have a family history of breast cancer and would like a risk assessment.
• Would like information about personalized breast cancer prevention and to undergo Antegenes genetic testing.

A mammologist consultation is a private service and does not require a referral. If necessary, we will refer you for additional examinations, explain the results, create a follow-up plan, or help initiate treatment.

The cost of any additional investigations will be added to the consultation fee.

Men with breast-related concerns are also welcome.

You can have your breast health evaluated. A midwife performs an initial examination and, if necessary, refers you for further investigations or to a consultation with a breast specialist (mammologist).

When should you come for a breast examination?

You should book an appointment if you:

• have noticed a lump in the breast or armpit, thickening of the skin, or skin dimpling;
• have noticed changes in the breast skin or nipple discharge;
• have observed changes in breast shape, size, or skin appearance;
• would like a general breast health check-up;
• would like information about personalized breast cancer prevention and the Antegenes test.

The breast clinic is available both as a publicly funded service (via the Estonian Health Insurance Fund) and as a self-paid service. In the case of a self-paid visit, additional examination costs may apply in addition to the consultation fee. A referral is not required.

Men with breast-related complaints are also welcome.

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts that uses ionizing radiation and allows very early detection of changes in breast tissue. It enables the detection of breast cancer at an early stage.

Mammography is mainly performed in women aged 40 and older, but it may also be used in the following cases:

• in men, if there is a breast lump, pain, or nipple discharge;
• in younger women with an increased hereditary risk of breast cancer;
• in patients who have had breast cancer, for follow-up after treatment;
• in patients receiving hormone replacement therapy if breast changes or symptoms occur.

When should you contact us for a mammography examination?

• you have a high risk of breast cancer;
• you have breast implants;
• you have a palpable lump in the breast;
• you have nipple discharge and/or redness in the breast area.

Important information

• A referral is required for the examination.

• Mammography can be performed at any age if a doctor suspects a tumor.
• The examination may be slightly uncomfortable but is not painful and takes only a few minutes.

A breast MRI is a radiation-free imaging examination that produces highly detailed, layer-by-layer images of the breast tissue. It helps detect changes that may not always be visible with other imaging methods.

When is a breast MRI recommended?

• when standard imaging does not provide sufficient information;
• if you have a high risk of developing breast cancer;
• if mammography or ultrasound results are unclear and require further clarification;
• to evaluate breast implants, for example in case of suspected leakage or rupture;
• for more precise assessment of the extent and structure of breast changes;
• for follow-up after treatment or to monitor recurrence..

What should you know about breast MRI?

• The examination takes approximately 30 minutes.
• You may eat and drink before the procedure.
• The images are interpreted by a breast radiology specialist.
• Results are usually available within 5–7 working days.

A breast ultrasound (US) helps assess the structure of the breasts and detect nodular changes, cysts, or inflammation that may not be palpable by hand. The examination is suitable for women of all ages, but it is especially useful for younger women, for whom mammography is not the first-choice method due to dense breast tissue.

Why is a breast ultrasound performed?

A breast ultrasound may be needed if you:

• have noticed a firm area, lump, or indentation in the breast;
• need evaluation of nipple discharge or skin changes;
• are being assessed for breast inflammation;
• wish to have a preventive breast examination;
• are planning breast surgery;

• need evaluation of issues related to breast implants;
• equire follow-up after breast surgery or treatment.

What should you know about a breast ultrasound?

• The examination is also suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• It is also suitable for men.
• You may eat and drink before the examination.

Why is personalised cancer prevention important?

Breast cancer is often associated with genetic factors. Every woman has an individual risk of developing the disease. In women with a high genetic risk, breast cancer may develop as early as their 30s or 40s and may be more aggressive at a younger age. This should be carefully takeninto account when planning screening and preventive examinations.

Breast cancer and deaths related to the disease can often be preventedthrough timely preventive measures, even before symptoms appear. Cancer detected at an early stage is treatable.

New technologies make it possible to identify genetic risk even in women who have no history of breast cancer in their immediate family and no previously known genetic variants.

The service provides you with a personalised medical prevention plan that takes into account your genetic profile, age, sex, and ethnic background.

Who is this service suitable for?

• Especially beneficial for women under 50, as it can help identify individual risk and, when appropriate, begin regular screening several years before the national screening programme starts.
• Suitable for women with no previous history of cancer in their immediate family. Genetic risk may still be elevated, and the innovativetechnology of polygenic risk score (PRS) assessment can help identify it.
• If breast cancer has occurred repeatedly in your immediate family.Where appropriate, we can also provide a referral to a medical geneticist free of charge to further assess hereditary genetic risks. The need for a referral is evaluated based on a relevant questionnaire.
• If you have already consulted a geneticist but no known mutations were identified. Thanks to Antegenes’ innovative technology, you can gain additional insight into your genetic risk.
• Also suitable for women aged 50 and over who already participate in the national breast cancer screening programme. You can find out whether you may benefit from more frequent monitoring than thenational programme, which currently provides screening every two years.

What does the service include?

The service is based on genetic risk assessment using modern polygenic risk score (PRS) technology.

Antegenes’ advanced, evidence-based PRS technology assesses the combined effect of 2,803 genetic variants associated with breastcancer to determine an individual’s genetic risk level.

By combining the PRS result with your individual background — including ethnic background, age, and sex — we provide personalised risk estimates and medical recommendations for further screening, monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices, helping to prevent disease and detect it at an early stage.

The test is simple and convenient. A sample is collected from theinside of the cheek using a cotton swab.

What does the test result show?

The results include:

• your polygenic breast cancer risk score;
• an interpretation of the test results together with clinicalrecommendations for prevention and screening, including clear next steps;
• an estimate of your likelihood of developing breast cancer within the next 10 years compared with a woman with average risk;
• detailed clinical guidance for healthcare professionals included in thetest report to support medical decision-making in modern, evidence-based personalised breast cancer prevention.

A post-test consultation is optional. During the consultation, you can further discuss your genetic risks in combination with risk factorsrelated to your lifestyle.

To take the test, book an appointment with a midwife, gynaecologist,or mammologist at the breast clinic.

Breast cancer screening is funded by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and is free of charge for both insured and uninsured women who belong to the invited age groups. If you are in the target group, you do not need to wait for a separate invitation.

Who is invited to screening in 2026?

• All women born in: 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1976.
• As part of prevention, from the age of 35 it is possible to participate in early breast cancer screening funded by Tervisekassa. To be eligible, you must have previously taken a polygenic risk score (PRS) test for breast cancer at your own expense, which has shown an increased risk level. A physician who has evaluated your PRS result will determine the indication for mammography and may issue a referral for screening.

Why come to breast cancer screening with us?

You should come to us for screening if:

• you belong to the official screening target group;
• you have an increased polygenic risk score (PRS) and wish to participate in early breast cancer screening funded by Tervisekassa;
• you have dense breast tissue or breast implants;
• you want a more comfortable and less painful examination;
• you value an effective examination with reduced radiation exposure.

We cooperate with the North Estonia Medical Centre (Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla), whose breast radiologists interpret the results and refer you for additional examinations if necessary.

What should you know about breast cancer screening?

• If you are in the screening target group, you do not need to wait for a separate invitation.
• If you are in the high-risk PRS group, the referral is issued by the physician who ordered the PRS test.
• The examination is performed by trained screening technicians.
• The results are interpreted by two breast radiologists.
• The results are available in your electronic health record, and if necessary, you will be invited for follow-up examinations.

Why is personalised cancer prevention important?

Breast cancer is often associated with genetic factors. Every woman has an individual risk of developing the disease. In women with a high genetic risk, breast cancer may develop as early as their 30s or 40s and may be more aggressive at a younger age. This should be carefully takeninto account when planning screening and preventive examinations.

Breast cancer and deaths related to the disease can often be preventedthrough timely preventive measures, even before symptoms appear. Cancer detected at an early stage is treatable.

New technologies make it possible to identify genetic risk even in women who have no history of breast cancer in their immediate family and no previously known genetic variants.

The service provides you with a personalised medical prevention plan that takes into account your genetic profile, age, sex, and ethnic background.

Who is this service suitable for?

• Especially beneficial for women under 50, as it can help identify individual risk and, when appropriate, begin regular screening several years before the national screening programme starts.
• Suitable for women with no previous history of cancer in their immediate family. Genetic risk may still be elevated, and the innovativetechnology of polygenic risk score (PRS) assessment can help identify it.
• If breast cancer has occurred repeatedly in your immediate family.Where appropriate, we can also provide a referral to a medical geneticist free of charge to further assess hereditary genetic risks. The need for a referral is evaluated based on a relevant questionnaire.
• If you have already consulted a geneticist but no known mutations were identified. Thanks to Antegenes’ innovative technology, you can gain additional insight into your genetic risk.
• Also suitable for women aged 50 and over who already participate in the national breast cancer screening programme. You can find out whether you may benefit from more frequent monitoring than thenational programme, which currently provides screening every two years.

What does the service include?

The service is based on genetic risk assessment using modern polygenic risk score (PRS) technology.

Antegenes’ advanced, evidence-based PRS technology assesses the combined effect of 2,803 genetic variants associated with breastcancer to determine an individual’s genetic risk level.

By combining the PRS result with your individual background — including ethnic background, age, and sex — we provide personalised risk estimates and medical recommendations for further screening, monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices, helping to prevent disease and detect it at an early stage.

The test is simple and convenient. A sample is collected from theinside of the cheek using a cotton swab.

What does the test result show?

The results include:

• your polygenic breast cancer risk score;
• an interpretation of the test results together with clinicalrecommendations for prevention and screening, including clear next steps;
• an estimate of your likelihood of developing breast cancer within the next 10 years compared with a woman with average risk;
• detailed clinical guidance for healthcare professionals included in thetest report to support medical decision-making in modern, evidence-based personalised breast cancer prevention.

A post-test consultation is optional. During the consultation, you can further discuss your genetic risks in combination with risk factorsrelated to your lifestyle.

To take the test, book an appointment with a midwife, gynaecologist,or mammologist at the breast clinic.

• Recommended from the age of 30; the genetic test only needs to be taken once in a lifetime.
• The test is performed using a simple cheek swab.
• You will receive your results within 6 weeks. Doctors can also access the results through the Estonian Health Portal (Terviseportaal).
• Any further breast examinations may be provided free of charge through referrals under the national breast cancer screening programme.
• We offer the option of a post-test consultation.

Why is personalised cancer prevention important?

• Breast cancer often has a genetic component. Every woman’s risk of developing the disease is different. Women with a high genetic risk may develop breast cancer as early as their 30s or 40s, and the disease may be more aggressive at a younger age. This must be carefully considered when planning screening and follow-up examinations.
• Breast cancer and related deaths can often be prevented through timely measures, even before symptoms appear. When detected early, breast cancer is treatable.
• New technologies make it possible to identify genetic risk even in women who have no family history of breast cancer or no previously identified genetic mutations.
• With this service, you will receive a personalised medical prevention plan that takes into account your genetic profile, age, sex and ethnic background.

Who can benefit from this service?

• Women under 50: Particularly beneficial for identifying individual risk and starting regular screening years before the national screening programme begins.
• Women with no family history of breast cancer: The service is also suitable for women whose close relatives have never had cancer. Genetic risk may still be elevated, and innovative polygenic risk score (PRS) technology can now help identify it.
• Women with a family history of breast cancer: If breast cancer has occurred repeatedly among close relatives, we can also provide a free referral to a medical geneticist, if necessary, to investigate hereditary genetic risks in greater detail. The need for a referral is assessed based on a relevant questionnaire.

• If you have already consulted a geneticist but no known mutations have been identified, Antegenesis’ innovative technology can provide additional insight into your genetic risk.
• Women aged 50 and over: The service is also suitable for women already participating in the national screening programme. You can find out whether you may need more frequent monitoring than the screening programme’s standard interval of once every two years.

What does the service include?

• The service is based on genetic risk testing using innovative polygenic risk score (PRS) technology in healthcare.
• Antegenesis’ advanced, evidence-based PRS technology calculates the combined effect of 2,803 genetic variants associated with breast cancer to determine your genetic risk level.
• By combining your PRS result with your personal background (ethnicity, age and sex), we provide accurate risk assessments and personalised medical recommendations for further screening and healthy lifestyle choices, helping to prevent breast cancer and detect it at an early stage.
• The test is simple and convenient. All you need to do is collect a sample from the inside of your cheek using a cotton swab.

What will the test results tell you?

Your results will include:

• Your polygenic breast cancer risk score.
• An interpretation of your test results, together with clinical recommendations for prevention and screening and clear next steps.
• An estimate of your likelihood of developing breast cancer over the next 10 years, compared with a woman at average risk.
• A comprehensive set of clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals to support evidence-based, personalised breast cancer prevention and appropriate medical follow-up.
• An optional post-test consultation, during which you can discuss your genetic risk in combination with lifestyle-related risk factors.

Book an appointment for the test with a midwife at a breast clinic, a gynaecologist or a breast specialist (mammologist).