Why a National Breast Cancer Screening Program?

One in seven women will develop breast cancer. The screening program is intended to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible moment. Early detection of breast cancer is critical to successful treatment. It also means that in many cases, less radical treatment is required. RIVM is conducting the Breast Cancer Screening Program in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Who is the breast cancer screening for?

All women aged 50 to 75 are eligible and will receive an invitation to participate. Breast cancer occurs most frequently in this age group. You will receive an invitation every two years for a mammogram (X-ray) of your breasts. If you do not receive an invitation, but you are in that age group and are not currently being treated for breast cancer, please contact your GP or the screening coordinator.

What is involved in the screening?

Experienced laboratory technicians at the Fundashon Mariadal hospital take the mammograms (X-rays) for the screening. Two screening radiologists at the Amsterdam UMC read the mammograms. 

Follow-up care

The family doctor informs the women who were screened about any detected abnormalities. He refers them to the radiology ward or the outpatient clinic for breast cancer (in Dutch: ‘Mammapoli’) at the Fundashon Mariadal hospital for follow-up testing. The appointment takes place within a week. Depending on the results, the Mammapoli will arrange further testing and any treatment that may be needed. 

Participation is free and on voluntary basis.

Questions? Go to the FAQ about breast cancer screening on Bonaire

Information about the Breast Cancer Screening Program in the Caribbean Netherlands is available in several languages.