47 New data from Clalit Health Services reveal a gap of more than 20% in breast cancer screening rates between Israeli cities, with socioeconomic status emerging as a clear predictor of screening uptake. The figures, based on 2025 data from Israel’s largest healthcare organisation, cover Clalit-insured women aged 50–74 living in communities with more than 50,000 residents. Kiryat Motzkin recorded the highest mammography screening rate, with 75.5% of eligible women undergoing screening. It was followed by Rahat at 74.9%, Givatayim at 74.4%, Herzliya at 73.4%, and Nahariya at 72.9%. Other cities with relatively high screening rates included Petah Tikva at 72.7%, Netivot at 72.4%, Kiryat Ata at 72.3%, Ra’anana at 72.2%, Haifa at 71.7%, Afula at 71%, and Beersheba at 70.6%. At the other end of the scale, Beitar Illit recorded the lowest mammography screening rate, with 52.8% of eligible women undergoing screening. Rates were also low in Umm al-Fahm at 57.6%, Bnei Brak at 58.2%, and Yavne at 59.3%. The difference between cities was substantial, with screening uptake in Herzliya approximately 20% higher than in Beitar Illit. Differences between population groups The data also showed differences in screening uptake between population groups. The highest rate was recorded among Israel’s general Jewish population, at 69.9%, compared with 67.3% among Arab women and 61.4% among ultra-Orthodox women. Screening rates also rose consistently with socioeconomic status. Among women living in communities in Israel’s lowest socioeconomic clusters, 1–3, the age-adjusted screening rate was 65.6%. This rose to 67% in clusters 4–5, 70.3% in clusters 6–7, and 73.4% in the highest socioeconomic clusters, 8–10. Mammography recommended every 2 years Mammography is a key tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Detecting the disease at an earlier stage can enable earlier treatment and improve outcomes. In Israel, mammography screening is covered under the national health basket for women aged 50–74, with screening generally recommended once every two years. There is no blanket recommendation for routine screening for women aged 45–49 or those aged 75 and over. In these age groups, the decision is made jointly with the treating physician, although mammography is covered by the national health basket. Professor Doron Netzer, Head of the Medical Division at Clalit Health Services, said: “Awareness and participation in screening programmes are key components of preventive medicine. Alongside efforts to raise awareness and encourage women to maintain regular medical follow-up and screening, we are mapping and identifying disparities so that we can focus our efforts on populations and areas with lower screening rates, make services more accessible and increase participation.” Clalit operates proactive programmes to identify patients who may benefit from screening and uses AI-based tools to identify target populations. It also adapts services to different cultural and community needs and operates mobile mammography units to bring screening closer to communities where participation rates are lower. Sigal Mazor, Director of Clalit’s Health Promotion Department, said: “Early detection is essential and saves lives, but good health begins long before a screening appointment. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and contribute to better overall health.” Genetic screening for women at increased risk In 2025, nearly 19,000 Clalit members underwent genetic testing for BRCA mutations, which are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The screening programme includes women from populations with a higher prevalence of specific BRCA mutations, including women of Ashkenazi Jewish and Ethiopian ancestry. Identifying carriers can enable closer surveillance and, where appropriate, measures to reduce their risk. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Israel, accounting for approximately one-third of new cancer cases diagnosed in women each year. Most cases occur among women aged over 50. According to estimates by the Israel Cancer Association, approximately 5,870 women in Israel are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer by the end of 2026, equivalent to roughly 113 new diagnoses each week. Around 1,100 women are expected to die from the disease during the year. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, projects that by 2050, approximately 6,930 women in Israel will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, while approximately 1,770 women will die from the disease.