The Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) has approved a project to extend the population-based breast cancer screening programme to women aged between 45 and 74. This measure is part of an update to the common portfolio of the National Health System (SNS), which also includes improvements in coverage for intraocular lenses and mobility support products, alongside new requirements for the composition of certain subsidised dietary products.
The project incorporates the age groups of 45 to 49 and 70 to 74 years into the existing screening range, which currently includes women aged 50 to 69. The screening method will remain the mammogram, with a general interval of two years between examinations. The expansion will be implemented progressively, in line with European recommendations.
All autonomous communities and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, in coordination with INGESA (the National Institute of Health Management) and civil service mutual insurance companies, are required to initiate modifications to the programme within three years of the order's enactment. Within six years, the aim is for coverage—defined as the invitation to participate—to approach 100% for the new age groups. To maintain the quality of the programme, the incorporation of these age groups may occur gradually. During this initial phase, a three-year interval between mammograms may be adopted for the new groups, transitioning to two years once the implementation is complete. The planning will be adjusted according to the resource availability in each region.
In addition to expanding breast cancer screening, the order updates orthopaedic services to better meet patient needs and ensure more uniform access across the SNS. Measures include expanding coverage for standard monofocal toric intraocular lenses, which are used to replace the lens in specific situations. The range of corneal astigmatism covered will increase from between 3 and 5 dioptres to between 1.5 and 5 dioptres, following topographic studies.
The catalogue of standing aids will also expand, increasing the types of products from two to eleven, while the number of reclining devices will grow from one to four, offering both manual and electric options. This expansion aims to improve access to these devices for individuals with significant mobility limitations, such as those resulting from spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy, providing more options for children and adults with features that allow posture adaptation to their needs.
The order further updates the requirements for certain nutritional preparations subsidised by the SNS, intended for patients unable to meet their dietary needs through regular food. These changes will enhance the texture and flavour of the products to facilitate consumption. Companies will have twelve months from the order's enactment to adapt the affected products.
Lastly, the prenatal screening programme for infectious diseases will be renamed the prenatal screening programme for transmissible diseases. This is a terminological update that maintains the programme's content and scope.
