To ensure the quality of the cervical cancer screening programme, it is necessary to carry out monitoring and evaluation of the screening programme. The cervical cancer screening programme falls under the responsibility of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The national monitoring and evaluation of the cervical cancer screening programme are carried out by independent, external organisations on behalf of RIVM.

It is important to set frameworks and provide clarity on the roles, tasks and responsibilities of the parties involved in population screening. These roles, tasks and responsibilities of the parties involved in population screening are described in the following frameworks: Policy Framework for Population Screening for Cancer Framework for the Execution of Cervical Cancer Population Screening

The objective of population screening programmes is to achieve health benefits and offer citizens treatment options through a familiar, accessible, safe and integrated range of high-quality screening at reasonable cost.

As of July 2022, the referral schedule for cervical cancer screening has been modified. Previously, all HPV-positive participants with cytological abnormalities were referred. In the new referral schedule, referrals are made on the basis of hrHPV typing. Also, the timing of the control smear test has been extended from six to 12 months.

As of 1 January 2022, fewer invitations are being sent for cervical cancer screening. Previously, all persons aged between 30 and 60 were invited every five years. The current invitation policy is based on the person's age and previous HPV results.

A population screening programme is a systematic offer of medical examinations to screen for a specific disease among a population of apparently healthy, asymptomatic individuals. 

Are you a healthcare professional involved in cervical cancer screening? Here you will find information about the Dutch cervical cancer screening programme.

On this page, you will find information materials about the breast cancer screening programme in multiple languages.

On this page, you will find information materials about the colorectal cancer screening programme in multiple languages.