The aim of the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening is to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage. The specialists who look at the X-rays assess them for abnormalities that could be breast cancer. They may accidentally detect something else during this assessment. This is called a secondary finding. Secondary findings are usually harmless and not what the radiologist is actively looking for. On this page, we explain the types of secondary findings and how they are handled.

If you have participated in the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening, you will receive a letter with your results within 2 weeks. There are 3 possible results. This page will explain each result, the relevant medical terms and what the next steps are.  

The DENSE studies are scientific studies into additional breast cancer screening in women with very dense breast tissue. This page provides information about the studies and answers to frequently asked questions.

From 2030 onwards, women with very dense breast tissue will be temporarily offered an MRI to complement the mammogram. About 8 out of 100 women who participate in the breast cancer screening have very dense breast tissue. In these women, a breast X-ray (mammogram) is less efficient. This may more often result in missed tumours. For this reason, there has been a long-term study on how to improve population screening for this group of women. This page contains more information about the temporary MRI offer for women with very dense breast tissue and answers to frequently asked questions. 

In 2021, former State Secretary Blokhuis decided to temporarily extend the period between two invitations for the breast cancer screening to a maximum of 3 years. This was necessary because for the time being it is not possible to invite people to the breast cancer screening every 2 years. In 2024, the average period between two invitations was 28 months. This means people are receiving their invitation later than expected. How long this situation will continue, is currently unknown.Below are the answers to questions about this extension.

The National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening consists of taking breast X-rays, also known as a mammogram. This involves compressing the breasts between 2 plates. This spreads out the breast tissue. This is the best way to see any abnormalities. A mammogram is sometimes experienced as painful. On this page, we provide more information about this. Participants and professionals also share their experiences.

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 following explains what radiologists look for and the abnormalities they may see.

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.

Women with breast implants can participate in the National Programme for Breast Cancer Screening. For a small group of participants with breast implants, the X-rays are not good enough to be assessed. This page tells you when the images cannot be properly assessed, what risks there are and when you should contact your GP or plastic surgeon.