A project offered 13,000 women in parts of Spånga and Skärholmen free public transport to mammography. Participation rose from 57.1% to 65.3% in one area and from 57.8% to 63.7% in another. Region Stockholm says the results are promising but need larger-scale testing.
What happened?
RCC Stockholm Gotland ran the Easy Travel to Screening study with Capio St Göran's mammography service and other partners in 2023–2026. The travel offer accompanied invitations. Participation also rose in comparable areas without the same intervention, but by less, supporting an effect without proving how large it would be across the county.
Location
Stockholm, Spånga, Skärholmen
Impact and significance
Around 80% of invitees normally participate across the county, but local differences are wide. Interviews identified travel cost as one barrier alongside time off work, distance, cultural factors and language. A transport measure may improve equal access, but cannot resolve every reason people miss screening.
Background
In a limited survey, 82% of participants said they travelled by public transport. Of those, 55% used the free offer, while 16% already had a pass. Overall, 28% said free travel was decisive. The limited response base means these survey percentages should not automatically be generalised to all invitees.
Latest update
The study includes a health-economic analysis and was mainly funded through the EU's Joint Action Prevent NCD. The region says the approach needs broader and longer testing before robust conclusions can be drawn. The findings do not change individual medical advice; invitation or examination questions belong with normal healthcare channels.
Sources
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Reviewed: 2026-09-17. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.