The Netherlands (English)
Prevention begins within the company: breast cancer screening in the workplace
Two screening methods are used to detect breast cancer: mammography and ultrasound. Mammography, a low-dose X-ray examination, is the primary screening method for women over 50 and those at risk, enabling the detection of suspicious changes prior to the manifestation of symptoms, thereby significantly reducing mortality. By contrast, breast ultrasound, which does not involve radiation exposure, is the preferred examination for women under 40 years of age, those with dense breast tissue, and those presenting specific clinical symptoms, such as lumps or cysts. Achieving maximum diagnostic efficacy often requires a combination of both methods, along with a breast examination by a specialist.
As the available data confirms, these screenings are of great importance: when breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of recovery exceed 90%. Yet in Italy, while 85% of women receive invitations to screening appointments, only 56% follow through. This gap highlights several barriers, including fear of the results, lack of time, and limited access to healthcare services. This is where workplaces come into play, as they can make a significant contribution to prevention efforts. In fact, Esaote has decided to carry out ultrasound screenings at its headquarters.
Workplace cancer screening: an effective model
Providing breast cancer screening in the workplace has proven to be an effective strategy. A systematic review published in BMC Cancer showed that workplace screening programs can increase participation rates by over 30%. Another research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that women who participated in corporate screening programs were 7.2% more likely to undergo mammography screening tests than the control group.
There are many benefits to corporate screening. First, accessibility is a key element, as it removes logistical and time barriers, enabling female employees to get checkups without needing to take time off from work or travel for screening. Another important aspect to consider is the initiative’s diagnostic speed: in fact, this type of initiative reduces the long wait times typically associated with the public health system. The importance of psychological comfort should not be underestimated, as a familiar work environment can help reduce anxiety about the exam. In addition, corporate screening fosters a collective awareness, thereby cultivating a shared culture of prevention within the company. Finally, it ensures equitable access, which is particularly important for women who might otherwise be reluctant to participate in regional screening programs.
Caterina Allegra Campazzo, Western Europe Business Controller at Esaote, who is not yet 30 years old and has participated in corporate screenings at Esaote, commented: “I believe prevention is crucial, even among younger women for whom regional screening programs are still unavailable. I am extremely pleased to be part of a company that emphasizes the importance of prevention through tangible actions.” In fact, breast cancer incidence among women aged 20 to 39 has been steadily increasing worldwide over the past three decades.
Alessandra Cavallini, Payroll & Administration Specialist – HR at Esaote added: “As a company in the medical field, we are especially sensitive to anything health-related. Employees at Esaote get paid time off for medical appointments, so they don’t need to use vacation days. It’s a valuable benefit that shows the company’s commitment to employee well-being.” Screening initiatives took place at Esaote’s Genoa and Florence offices. Out of 70 women invited, 38 participated in Florence. In Genoa, 72 out of 140 invited women participated.
R&D Mechanical Designer Vittoria Giuffrida highlighted how the initiative impacted her professionally: “This opportunity has made me feel valued as both a woman and as a professional who contributes to improving people’s health.”
Ecaterina Mahu, Lead System Design Engineer, shared her perspective as someone who designs and tests the effectiveness of medical devices firsthand: “It was fascinating to see the technology we work with every day being applied, and to observe how crucial all those aspects and details can be.”
The Collaboration with FIRENZE IN ROSA Onlus
Esaote’s corporate screening initiative stems from a meaningful collaboration with the association FIRENZE IN ROSA Onlus, which has been committed for years to prevent breast cancer in the Tuscany region.
The “Prevention in the Workplace” project, promoted by the association founded by Lucia De Ranieri, has been active since 2017 with the goal of fostering a culture of prevention. The initiative was born from her personal experience with breast cancer, diagnosed at the age of 33 using an Esaote ultrasound solution.
FIRENZE IN ROSA Onlus also organizes free ultrasound screenings twice a year, open to everyone, particularly targeting age groups not covered by regional screening programs. The association regularly sees waiting lists of 400 people per screening session and has identified numerous cases of early-stage cancer. One notable case involved a 23-year-old woman who likely would not have undergone a checkup if the screening hadn’t been free and accessible.
This collaboration between the private sector and civil society demonstrates how technology and social responsibility can come together to make a real difference in women’s health.
The importance of advanced technology
To ensure the effectiveness of workplace screening, it is essential to use state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies. The ultrasound systems used for these checkups are equipped with high-frequency linear probes that produce sharp, detailed images, even in cases of highly dense breast tissue, which are usually more difficult to diagnose.
These systems represent excellence in breast imaging through technologies developed specifically for breast anatomy. The sensitivity of these instruments enables physicians to not only visualize lesions but also characterize them: ultrasensitive Doppler technologies detect blood flow in even the smallest vessels, while elastography assesses tissue stiffness. These technologies are essential for distinguishing between benign and suspicious lumps.
Of significant note is the integration of artificial intelligence-based systems that assist physicians in evaluating suspicious lesions, thereby reducing unnecessary biopsies and speeding up the diagnostic process.
Humanizing care: beyond technology
But technology alone is not enough. What truly makes the difference is the expertise and empathy of the professionals who use it. It is essential to rely on specialized radiologists and breast specialists who are not only able to interpret results, but also communicate with women, explain images, and educate on prevention. Alessandra Cavallini, Payroll & Administration Specialist – HR, who participated in the screenings at the two Esaote headquarters in Florence in 2023 and in Genoa in 2025, explains: “During my 15-minute examination, the physician clearly explained what she was doing and showed me the images. I had time to ask a few questions and received her full attention. I also spoke with colleagues, and they were all impressed by the level of care and attention they received.” Women undergoing a breast examination are bound to have many expectations, anxieties, and fears, all of which must be addressed. A physician who explains what they are doing during an examination, attentively listens to the patient, addresses their concerns, and respects those who prefer not to talk is an invaluable asset.
Toward a replicable model
Corporate screening experience has shown that a successful prevention model can be achieved by combining advanced technology, organizational sensitivity, and medical expertise. This model encourages people to participate in screenings by removing practical and psychological barriers, values people by making them feel that they are at the heart of the company, fosters a shared culture of prevention, and demonstrates that corporate welfare can truly be a means of providing care.
This article is part of the “Technology and Empathy: the new narrative of care” editorial project, which is a collaboration between Esaote and PERSONE Magazine.
Here you can read the article (written in Italian) that PERSONE dedicated to the story of Lucia De Ranieri, founder of FIRENZE IN ROSA Onlus.
References
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- World Health Organization. Breast cancer. Fact sheet, updated 2022. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer (accessed October 21, 2025).
- Giaquinto AN, Sung H, Newman LA, et al. Breast cancer statistics 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(6):477-495. doi:10.3322/caac.21863
- Europa Donna Italia. Tumore al seno: i numeri aggiornati. Published January 26, 2024. Available at: https://www.europadonna.it/2024/01/26/tumore-al-seno-i-numeri-aggiornati/ (accessed October 21, 2025).
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- Mon HM, Robb KA, Demou E. Effectiveness of workplace cancer screening interventions: a systematic review. BMC Cancer. 2024;24:999. doi:10.1186/s12885-024-12649-0
- Allen JD, Stoddard AM, Mays J, Sorensen G. Promoting breast and cervical cancer screening at the workplace: results from the Woman to Woman Study. Am J Public Health. 2001;91(4):584-590. doi:10.2105/ajph.91.4.584
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