Screening invitations depend on your situation. People registered as residents who meet the age criteria are normally invited automatically. If you are an asylum seeker or don't have a residence permit, the process may be different. If you are eligible but haven't received an invitation, contact your region or a healthcare provider to ask how to access screening.
The breast cancer screening system surprises many internationals. In many countries, you ask your doctor for a mammogram. Here, the system usually asks you.
Not receiving an invitation? You may not be in the target group yet, or your situation may mean you’re not automatically invited.
Here’s how it works.
Typical national schedule:
- Age 40–54: every 18 months
- Age 55–74: every 24 months
You receive an appointment by post.
what happens at the appointment
- Takes about 15 minutes
- Results appear in 1177 within weeks
cost
- Between SEK 200–300
- Some regions offer mammography at no cost
Emma (43) worries she hasn’t had a mammogram since moving from the UK. Then a letter arrives titled mammografiundersökning. She learns Sweden schedules these centrally — not through GP referral.
The screening programme itself is based on age and eligibility, not nationality. However, whether you receive an automatic invitation can depend on being registered in Sweden.
residents (personnummer)
- Women aged 40–74 who are registered in Sweden are normally invited for mammography screening
- Screening cost: Free
non-e.u. residents with permits
- If you are registered in Sweden and meet the screening criteria, you should normally receive an invitation
- Screening cost: Free
asylum seekers and people under t.p.d
- Access to healthcare is governed by separate rules from those for registered residents
- If you have symptoms or a concern about breast cancer, you can seek the healthcare you are entitled to rather than waiting for a screening invitation
- Screening cost: Free
undocumented migrants
- Access to planned preventive screening is not necessarily the same as for people registered as residents
- If you have symptoms or a suspected breast problem, seek healthcare rather than waiting for screening
- Screening cost: Free or subsidised
- Screening is free in Sweden
- Women aged 40–74 are normally invited for regular mammograms
- You don't usually need to ask your doctor for a screening appointment
- Your invitation comes from your region and tells you where and when to attend
- Not everyone receives an automatic invitation — your registration and legal status can affect how you access screening
- You can still contact healthcare if you notice a change in your breasts — don't wait for a screening invitation if you have symptoms
- A screening mammogram is for people without symptoms — if you have a lump, unusual pain or another concern, contact a healthcare provider for an assessment
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional regarding cancer screening decisions.
- Always rebook if the time doesn’t suit
- Discuss family history with a GP if you need earlier monitoring
↗︎ 1177 for mammography info
↗︎ National cancer screening programme
I’m over 40-years old and haven’t been invited for a test — should I worry?
Not necessarily. It can take time after registration. You can contact 1177 if unsure.
can I still request a mammogram myself?
Yes, especially if you have concerns or family history.
will language be a problem at the appointment?
No. Interpreter services are available.
how will I receive results?
Usually through your 1177 online account or by letter.