Radiologists classify results using the BI-RADS system. BI-RADS stands for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. More information on this can be found on the site kanker.nl (in Dutch).

1. No abnormality found

We did not find any signs of breast cancer on the X-rays. 98 out of 100 participants get this result. You will receive a letter about this result. In 2-3 years, you will receive another invitation.

There is a chance that breast cancer is not detected. Breast cancer can also develop between two screening tests. If you experience any symptoms in or on your breasts, please contact your GP.

The medical terms for this result are BI-RADS 1 and BI-RADS 2.

2. There is not enough information to give a result  

It was unclear whether anything abnormal was visible. It does not mean that the X-rays were not good enough. However, more examination is needed in the radiology department in a hospital. This may include an additional X-ray or an ultrasound scan. With this examination, we can get more clarity and give a result as to whether or not there is any suspicion of breast cancer.  

Of every 10 participants with this result who undergo further testing, 9 do not have breast cancer. In most cases, there is nothing to worry about.  

The medical term for this result is BI-RADS 0.

3. An abnormality has been observed that requires further examination

The X-rays show an abnormality that could be breast cancer. We will need to examine you further in the hospital. That could mean a new X-ray or an ultrasound. Usually, in the hospital, they also take a piece of tissue from the breast. This is called a biopsy. This additional examination does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. You can discuss with your GP which hospital you are going to for follow-up examination.  

The medical terms for this result are BI-RADS 4 and BI-RADS 5.

How are the breast X-rays assessed?

During the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening, 2 X-rays are taken of each breast. Radiologists assess these X-rays. Radiologists are physicians specially trained to detect abnormalities in X-rays. The Breast X-ray assessment page explains what the radiologists are looking for and what abnormalities they may see.

No complete certainty

The result does not give complete certainty. Not all abnormalities are detected on the X-rays. 7 out of 10 cases of breast cancer are detected in population screening.

Who will receive my results?

If you receive the result ‘not enough information’ or ‘an abnormality was detected’, your GP will receive the results of your screening test.  

If you need follow-up testing in the hospital, your specialist in the hospital and for example the Dutch Cancer Registration (NKR) will also receive your information.

Read more about this under Privacy. This section also tells you how to object if you do not want others to receive your results.

Secondary findings

The physicians check the X-rays and look for signs of breast cancer. Sometimes they detect something else in the images. This is called a secondary finding. A secondary finding is something that is found by chance. If needed, the physicians will tell your GP what they found. Your GP will contact you. For more information, see the Secondary findings page.