Every year, around 900 people get cervical cancer. Every year, around 200 people die from this disease. Cervical cancer is most common among women between 30 and 60 years old. That is why we invite these women to take part in the cervical cancer screening programme.
We use the population screening to detect if someone is at risk of cervical cancer. Early detection can prevent cervical cancer. People who take part in the population screening are at a lower risk of cervical cancer. If you are between 30 and 60 years old, you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer screening programme.
You can take part in two ways:
- Using a self-sampling device at home
You can take part in the population screening at home. You get the self-sampling device from Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland (the Centre for Population Screening). - Going to your GP practice for a smear test
You can make an appointment for a smear test at your GP practice.
Image 1 self-sampling device
Text The self-sampling device
The self-sampling device
We will send the self-sampling device to your home. The self-sampling device has been designed to be easy to use.
Image 2 Instructions
Text Instructions
Instructions
The self-sampling device comes with instructions. Read these instructions carefully before you begin. These explain clearly how to use the self-sampling device. You can also watch a video.
Image 3 Using the self-sampling device
Text Using the self-sampling device
Using the self-sampling device
You can use the self-sampling device at home at a time that suits you. Take your time when using the self-sampling device. You take cells from your vagina yourself. Take care not to insert the swab stick into the urethra. This will take 20 seconds.
Image 4 Mailing the device
Text Mailing the device
Mailing the device
After you have used the self-sampling device, put it in the return envelope. Send the envelope to the laboratory.
Image 5 The result
Text The result
The result
We will send you a letter with the result within 4 weeks.
Image 1 The appointment
Text The appointment
The appointment
We will send a letter to your home. You can make an appointment for a smear test at your GP practice.
Bring the letter with you to the appointment.
The stickers are needed for the test. The appointment will take around 10 minutes.
Image 2 Questions
text Questions
Questions
The test is usually done by the doctor’s assistant. She will ask you a few questions first.
Please tell her if you feel uncomfortable about the test.
Image 3 Undressing
text 3 Undressing
Undressing
You then undress from the waist down.
You do not need to remove the clothes on your top half.
image 4 smear test
text 4 smear test
The smear test
The doctor’s assistant uses a special instrument for the test: the speculum.
With a small brush, the doctor’s assistant takes some endometrium from the cervix.
Image 5 result
text 5 result
The result
You can get dressed again; the test is done.
We will send you a letter with the result within 4 weeks.
More information
- Invitation letter for the cervical cancer screening 30
- Invitation letter for the cervical cancer screening 35-60
- Screening for cervical cancer: Invitation leaflet
- Screening for cervical cancer: Result leaflet
- Instructions for using the self-sampling device
- Video instructions self-sampling device
- Participation options card for a smear test or a self-sampling device
Contact information
Do you have questions about your invitation, how the screening works, the self-sampling device or other practical matters? Please contact the Centre for Population Screening (Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland) via www.bevolkingsonderzoeknederland.nl/contact.
Do you have questions about our policy, deciding whether or not to take part or other questions about the screening? Please send an e-mail to cvb@rivm.nl.