Despite improvements in diagnostics and treatment options, breast cancer in Latvia continues to be marked by unacceptably low screening participation and, consequently, late diagnosis, Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) has reported.
In such cases, even with comprehensive treatment approaches and new therapies, survival rates decrease.
Krista Arcimoviča, breast surgeon at RAKUS Breast Surgery Department, emphasized that screening coverage has long remained low. She noted that many patients are still diagnosed each year with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, which requires complex and prolonged therapy with challenging outcomes. At the same time, surgical treatment options for breast cancer at RAKUS are improving, and the number of operations performed is increasing annually. Last year, 850 breast cancer surgeries were carried out.
In most cases (66%), breast-conserving surgery was performed. When this is not possible due to disease progression, mastectomy is carried out. Each patient is also offered discussions about breast reconstruction options, which are performed using various techniques, sometimes in cooperation with microsurgeons.
Since 2022, RAKUS has actively implemented a breast reconstruction program. In 2022, 189 reconstructions were performed, in 2023 – 224, and in 2024 – 209.
In some cases, surgery on the other breast is also carried out to ensure symmetry.
State-funded breast cancer screening mammography has been available at RAKUS since the launch of the national program. Around 2,000 screening mammograms are performed annually at the Latvian Oncology Center. Mammography is a scientifically proven, effective method for detecting breast cancer before symptoms appear, offering significantly better chances of successful treatment and quality of life.
Since summer 2024, appointments for screening mammograms can also be made electronically at eveselibaspunkts.lv using the invitation letter number, with waiting times usually under one week.
Chief breast health specialist Ilze Eņģele stressed that mammography reduces mortality, highlighting that preventive, state-paid screenings are intended for women without symptoms to detect early changes. Diagnostic mammograms, meanwhile, are carried out for women already experiencing symptoms.
Diagnostic breast examinations at RAKUS have been organized as a “one-stop” service since 2020,
with all necessary tests conducted during a single visit. In 2024, the hospital performed 6,620 diagnostic mammograms, over 7,500 ultrasounds, more than 1,600 ultrasound-guided biopsies, and nearly 200 stereotactic vacuum biopsies. If needed, additional functional tests, such as contrast-enhanced mammography or MRI, are provided within two weeks. Last year, 540 contrast mammograms and 650 MRIs were performed.
The Breast Health Center also provides patients with support from a pathway coordinator and a specialized breast care nurse, who assist with scheduling, planning, and addressing other important concerns.
Several international projects in cooperation with the University of Latvia are ongoing at the center, including training programs and work on screening audits and quality control standards.
In early 2025, RAKUS plans to acquire new equipment for performing biopsies under contrast mammography control – a service previously only available in Tartu, Estonia. Soon, patients in Latvia will have faster and easier access to this advanced diagnostic procedure.
RAKUS treats around 85% of all oncology patients in Latvia, and cancer patients make up about 30% of its overall patient base.
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