During the screening (mammogram), we will take X-rays of your breasts. This releases some radiation. Radiation can cause cancer, but the amount of radiation that is released when the X-rays are taken is small. The risk to your health is therefore also small. You can read more about that on this page.
How small is the risk of radiation?
The risk of death from cancer due to this radiation is increased by 0.035%. This applies to someone between 50 and 75 years of age who participates in every round of the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening.
A balance between radiation needed and pressure
The X-rays must be clear to detect any abnormalities. To achieve this, the breasts must be compressed between 2 plates. Sometimes this is experienced as sensitive and painful. However, if less pressure is used, (much) more radiation is needed to get good images. And that is not desirable.
Radiation in everyday life
In addition to medical tests, you also come into contact with radiation in daily life. This radiation comes from natural gases in the home, food, soil, building materials and the universe. Read more about it on the Radiation explained page (in Dutch).
Video on radiation in breast screening
In the video below, we explain how much radiation is released during breast screening and the risks to your health.