Many women aged 30 to 34 years postpone taking part in population screening for cervical cancer. Only 3 in 10 women take action within 12 weeks of the invitation. This trend is concerning, since this is the group in which human papillomavirus (HPV) is most common.

Today sees the kick-off of the national campaign: Let’s talk about cervical cancer – have you #done the smear test or self-test yet? This marks the first time that RIVM, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society are launching a joint campaign to call attention to cervical cancer screening.

From the first week of July, every woman turning 30 will receive a self-sampling device with their invitation for cervical cancer screening. Participants can use this device to collect their own vaginal material.