News | RIVM

Varying participation in population screening for cancer

Participation in the three population screening programmes for cancer offered by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has met with varying interest. Participation in breast cancer screening decreased again last year. A (slight) increase was observed in the screening programmes for colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.

Population screening programmes revealed cancer or precancerous abnormalities in 27,000 people in 2023

In 2023, the 3 population screening programmes for cancer revealed cancer or precancerous abnormalities in more than 27,000 people. This is evident from the monitoring reports on the population screening programmes for colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer.

50th anniversary of the heel prick test: health benefits for hundreds of newborns each year

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the heel prick test (or newborn blood spot screening) in the Netherlands. This test involves the collection of a few drops of blood from newborn babies and screening the blood for serious...

Participation rates in cancer population screening programmes continue to decline

The number of participants in the population screening programmes for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer continues to decline. This decline has been going on for years, reaching its lowest point in 2020.

Metabolic disorder ALD added to newborn blood spot screening

Since 1 October, the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) has been added to the Dutch newborn blood spot screening. From now on, the blood of newborn boys will also be tested for this disorder. ALD in boys can be treated if it is detected in time.

From 1 October 2023, heel prick test also screens for metabolic disorder ALD

From 1 October 2023, the blood of newborn babies will also be tested for the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This is done with the heel prick screening test.

NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April

From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.

Cancer screening programmes now more accessible to transgender and intersex persons

Since October 2022, is it has become easier for transgender and intersex persons to take part in cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening. Transgender and intersex persons with a uterus and/or breast tissue can register with Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland.

From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26

From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.