To ensure the quality of the breast cancer screening programme, it is necessary to carry out monitoring and evaluation of the screening programme. The breast cancer screening programme falls under the responsibility of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The national monitoring and evaluation of the breast cancer screening programme are carried out by independent, external organisations on behalf of RIVM.
National monitoring
Each year, an external independent organisation provides a report with the most important results of the screening programme compared to previous years. This report, called the monitor, includes performance data on participation, the number of referrals and the number of abnormalities found. Each year the numbers are updated, therefore, the most recent monitor shows the latest results of the past five years.
The purpose of the monitor is to ensure the quality and to identify important trends. The results are based on a defined set of indicators (in Dutch only).
For more information you can contact onderzoek.cvb@rivm.nl.
Download - Monitor
National evaluation
Each year, in-depth analyses are being performed, often as a result of the monitor. For example, impact evaluations and cost-effectiveness analysis of the screening programme. These evaluation activities have several objectives. It shows to what extent the screening programme has contributed to the observed decrease in cervical cancer mortality, but also the adverse effects of the programme (e.g. overdiagnosis, false positive screening results). Simulation models are used for this.
The results of these in-depth analyses are periodically delivered in the form of a national evaluation report of the Dutch cervical cancer screening programme.