Norway has two free cancer screening programs for women. The cervical screening program examines the cervix in women aged 25–69. The mammography program examines the breasts in women aged 50–69. You do not need to apply yourself – the invitation comes automatically. Screening is voluntary, but can save your life.
Two free screening programs – and you don't need to apply
Norway offers two national screening programs that are free to participate in. Both are run by the Cancer Registry, which is part of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI). Screening means that healthy women are examined to find cancer or early-stage disease early. The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. The programs are part of the public health service and are available throughout the country.
You do not need to register. When it is your turn, you get an invitation automatically – on Helsenorge or in the mailbox. Participation is voluntary, but recommended.
| Program | Who | How often | Where | Out-of-pocket cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervical screening program | Women aged 25–69 | Every 5 years | General practitioner or gynaecologist | Standard out-of-pocket cost for consultation |
| Mammography program | Women aged 50–69 | Every 2 years | Breast center (mammography unit) | 387 kr (as of July 2026) |
Cervical screening: HPV test every five years
Cervical screening is taken by everyone with a cervix between 25 and 69 years of age. You receive your first letter in the year you turn 25. After that, you get a reminder every five years as long as you are in the target group.
Since 1 July 2023, the sample is tested for HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is a common virus that can cause cell changes and cervical cancer. A doctor or gynaecologist takes the sample with a small brush. The sample is sent to a laboratory. Previously, younger women were tested every three years with a cell sample. Now HPV testing applies every five years for the entire group.
You book your own appointment with your general practitioner or a gynaecologist. The test result usually comes after a few weeks. If HPV is detected, the doctor will call you in for follow-up. Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, you should still have a cervical screening. The vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV, but not all of them. Cell changes are common and often resolve on their own. Being called in for a check-up does not mean you have cancer.
Can I take the HPV test at home myself?
Yes. You can ask your general practitioner for an HPV home test if a gynaecological examination is difficult for you. You take the test yourself with a small sample swab from the vagina. You do not need to reach the cervix. The home test itself is free.
The home test is especially suitable for you if you:
- have not had a cervical screening for many years
- find a regular gynaecological examination uncomfortable
- have physical, mental or cultural reasons to avoid it
You send the sample to the laboratory. The result comes to your doctor within approximately three weeks. The home test is just as reliable at detecting HPV as the sample the doctor takes. But because the doctor cannot see the cervix, you must have a regular cervical screening if the test finds HPV. This checks whether you have cell changes.
Mammography: free breast screening from age 50
All women between 50 and 69 years of age are invited for mammography every other year. Mammography is an X-ray image of the breasts. The image can find breast cancer before you notice a lump yourself.
The examination is done at a breast center, which is a specialized mammography unit. It is not done at the general practitioner's office. The invitation comes on Helsenorge, or in the mailbox if you do not use Helsenorge. It shows the time and place. The appointment itself takes only a few minutes. A radiographer takes a few X-ray images of each breast. It may feel uncomfortable for a couple of seconds, but it rarely hurts. Some women are called in for more images afterwards. This usually does not mean cancer – the doctors just want to be sure. Bring identification, and you may wear two-piece clothing.
What does free cancer screening cost, and does it count towards deductible relief?
The screening itself is free, but some out-of-pocket costs may apply. For cervical screening, you pay the standard out-of-pocket cost for the doctor's appointment. This out-of-pocket cost counts towards the deductible relief scheme for health services. The analysis of the sample itself is free.
For mammography, you pay an out-of-pocket cost of 387 kr (as of July 2026). Note this: this amount does not count towards the deductible relief scheme. The HPV home test is completely free. On SamfunnPrep we explain such out-of-pocket costs and rights in simple language.
How to book or reschedule your appointment
If the invitation does not suit you, you can change the appointment:
- Cervical screening: book an appointment with your general practitioner yourself, or with a gynaecologist.
- Mammography: use the link in the invitation on Helsenorge, or call the breast center listed to reschedule.
- If you do not have a general practitioner yet, you can still have a cervical screening with another doctor or gynaecologist.
Remember to keep your address updated in the Population Register. Otherwise, the invitation may go to the wrong place. If you notice a lump in your breast, unusual bleeding or other symptoms between invitations, you must contact your general practitioner immediately. Screening does not replace a doctor's appointment when you have symptoms.
Why is screening important for immigrant women?
Screening can detect cancer early, while it is still easy to treat. However, immigrant women participate less often than others. A study from the Cancer Registry (2021) found that women in Oslo with backgrounds from non-Western countries attended mammography at 39 percent, compared to 67 percent among Norwegian-born women. More than half of the women who develop cervical cancer have rarely or never had a cervical screening. According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, around 390,000 women in the target group had not had an HPV test by 2025.
You do not need to be afraid. The examinations are quick and safe, and are carried out by healthcare staff bound by confidentiality. You can ask for a female radiographer or bring someone you trust. You have the right to a free interpreter if you do not speak Norwegian well. The results are protected by confidentiality, and participation does not affect your residence permit. Free cancer screening is a right, not a test you can fail.
Do you want to understand more rights in the healthcare system? SamfunnPrep provides simple explanations about health rights, national insurance and EHIC and about contraception and sexual health. If you are taking the citizenship test, you can practice for free with SamfunnPrep and learn how the welfare state works.
