Breast cancer is most common in women who are over 50. That is why women between 50 and 75 years of age are invited to the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening every 2 to 3 years. This screening test is designed to detect breast cancer as early as possible, even before someone develops symptoms. The screening test will take place at a local screening centre. Taking part is free of charge. You decide if you want to take part.
Explanation in easy language
Information in multiple languages
Why is there a National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening?
1 in 7 women in the Netherlands develops breast cancer. The population screening allows us to detect breast cancer at an early stage, even before a person develops any symptoms. With early detection, there is a better chance that the treatment is successful. It also means that the treatment you need is often less intensive. The population screening also has disadvantages. You decide if you want to take part.
Sometimes it makes less sense, or it is not possible to participate in the population screening. For example, if you are already being treated for breast cancer or if you are seriously ill. You can read more about that on the Taking part, yes or no? page.
Who gets an invitation and how often?
Breast cancer is most common in women aged 50 years and older. That is why women aged between 50 and 75 are invited to the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening. This is organised by the Centre for Population Screening, which carries out the screening on behalf of the government.
The population screening usually takes place in a mobile screening centre. This is a bus that is located in various places in the Netherlands. When you will receive the invitation depends on when the bus is in your area. You may receive your first invitation when you are 49, 50 or 51. You usually get your final invitation in the year you reach the age of 74 or 75.
You will be invited to participate in the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening every 2 years. Due to a shortage of staff, you may have to wait longer for your invitation or screening test. There may currently be up to 3 years between 2 invitations.
If you have any symptoms or have noticed any changes to a breast, always see your GP. Do not wait for your invitation and do not participate in the screening. If you develop symptoms after taking part in the population screening, you should always see your GP.
Questions about the invitation
If you have any questions about the invitation, please visit Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland. This site offers you more information and the telephone number and e-mail address of the Centre for Population Screening. You can also log in with your DigiD to make, reschedule or cancel an appointment, for example.
How is the screening test carried out?
The screening test will take place at a local screening centre. This is often a bus. The employee takes 2 X-rays of each breast. This employee has been specially trained to take the breast X-rays. She makes you feel comfortable and tells you what to do when the images are taken. Two physicians will view the X-rays. They look for any signs that could indicate breast cancer. You will get the results within 2 weeks. Sometimes further testing is needed. For example, if the physicians have noticed something or if the X-rays are not clear enough. Your GP will also receive your results in that case. You will be referred to the hospital through your GP.
Is this the first time you are participating?
The animation below will show you what to expect from the screening test. For more information about how the screening test is performed, visit the Mammogram page.
Is this your first time participating?
Voiceover:
Your first breast cancer screening.
*Music starts*
Voiceover:
This animation shows what happens during a breast cancer screening. This way, you know in advance what to expect. Sometimes, the screening takes place in a building, but most of the screenings take place in a large bus. The breast cancer screening is done by staff who have had special training. You can be screened by a woman if you want. You can ask the staff everything about the screening. They will try to make you as comfortable as possible. What happens during the screening? We will now show you, step by step. When you arrive, show your invitation letter and your proof of identity. Next, you will be asked to wait your turn. When it is your turn, you go to the changing room.
On-screen text: Tips. Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring a cloth or scarf in case you have to wait a while.
Voiceover:
Take off your clothes from your top half only. An employee will come and collect you. She will take pictures of your breasts. The employee will explain what she is doing and how you can help. She will take two pictures of each breast. The employee will put you in the right position each time, so your breast will be ready for the next picture. After the pictures, you go back to the changing room to put your clothes back on. If the quality of the pictures is OK, you can go home. Taking the pictures will take around 5 minutes. The appointment will take around 20 minutes in total. Would you like to know more about the national programme for breast cancer screening? Go to www.rivm.nl/en/breast-cancer-screening-programme.
Logo National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport appears on screen.
On-screen text: Would you like to know more about the national programme for breast cancer screening? www.rivm.nl/en/breast-cancer-screening-programme.
*Music ends*
