Sometimes breast X-rays do not provide enough information for a valid assessment. In that case, you will be referred to the hospital for further examination. When an abnormality is found in the breast X-ray, you will also be further examined by the specialist at the hospital.

Possible examination

In the hospital, several examinations may be needed to determine if you have breast cancer. The type of examination needed will depend on your situation. There are several possibilities:

  • Physical examination
  • Additional X-rays (`mammogram')
  • Ultrasound scan
  • Needle aspiration
  • Biopsy
  • MRI scan

If the X-rays do not provide sufficient information

The medical term for this result is BI-RADS 0. This result means: It was unclear whether anything abnormal was visible. It does not mean that the X-rays were not good enough. However, more examination at the radiology department in a hospital is required. 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.  

If an abnormality was seen on the X-rays

This result means: Further examination at the hospital breast clinic is required. The medical terms for this result are BI-RADS 4 and BI-RADS 5.

Further examination may be an additional X-ray or an ultrasound scan. In most cases, it is also necessary to remove some cells or a small piece of tissue from the breast. This is called a needle aspiration or a biopsy.

This result does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.

Of every 10 participants with this result who undergo further testing at the hospital, 5 do not have breast cancer.  

Help selecting a hospital

Which hospital is best for you? The Dutch Breast Cancer Association helps you and your GP to select a hospital. See what may be important to you when selecting a hospital.

Your results from the population screening

The specialist in the hospital can request your results and X-rays from the Centre for Population Screening. This will allow the specialist to conduct a more targeted examination. If you do not agree, you can object.

For more information about objecting, go to

More information

For more general information about breast cancer, go to: