Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.
The first 1,250 women aged 40 have been invited for screening. This requires signing a consent form for the use of genetic data. Ingrid Kuusik was one of the first to agree.
Kuusik said: "Don't be afraid. It allows you to make informed choices."
According to the Health Insurance Fund, up to 15% of women may be at higher risk. But doctors say there is no need to panic. Tiina Kahre explained: "This does not mean that breast cancer will be diagnosed. Women can now go for check-ups. We are not predicting the disease, but we are detecting it earlier."
Cancer forms in younger ages are more aggressive. Women with higher risk scores are referred to mammography. Oncologist Vahur Valvere said: "We are detecting breast cancer at the first stage, when the disease has not yet spread. At this stage, women can be cured."
The study is free of charge. The first two years of testing cost nearly 1.9 million euros.
Liis Kruus said: "We are expanding the screening next year to women born in 1987. We are also working on assessing genetic risks for other cancer sites."
In the future, hereditary gene mutations and lifestyle indicators will be added to the risk model. The first results will be available within a couple of months.