Participating or not
Participation in the health screening is free of charge. As with any other medical examination, there are advantages and disadvantages to the health screening. The government offers this health screening because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This could be different for you personally. You should decide yourself whether you wish to participate in the health screening.
Frequently asked questions
-
I want to participate. What should I do?
If you want to participate, complete the questions on the back of your invitation and take the form with you to the screening. Please also take valid proof of identity with you.
-
I participate for the first time, what can I expect?
If so, you will receive a leaflet with additional information together with your invitation. You can also view the ‘First mammogram’ video below.
-
When do you not need to participate?
If you are being treated by a specialist in relation to a breast complaint, you do not need to participate. You should deregister via My Health Screening.
You can also contact our information line. -
I do not want to participate. What should I do?
If you do not want to participate in the screening, you should deregister via My Health Screening. You can also contact our information line.
-
I have a breast implant. Can I participate in the screening?
Yes, you can participate in the screening. However, we do advise waiting 6 months after the implant as the area can still be painful. Please do inform the mammographer who is taking the mammogram that you have an implant.
PIP implants have a higher risk of tears, leakages and ‘sweating’ than other implants. It is wise to have your PIP implants checked before you participate in the breast screening. More information about tearing and removal of PIP implants can be found on the IGZ website. Click here for more information about implants and breast screening.
-
I have recently undergone a bypass operation. Can I participate in the screening?
Yes, you can participate in the screening. But please do inform the mammographer who is taking the mammogram.
-
I suffer from painful breasts. Can I participate in the screening?
Yes, you can participate in the screening. But please do inform the mammographer who is taking the mammogram. Some women have extremely sensitive breasts just prior to or during menstruation. It may sometimes be better to delay the appointment.
-
I use zinc ointment on my breasts. Can I still participate in the screening?
If you use zinc ointment on your breasts and you have received an invitation for the breast screening, please stop using zinc ointment if possible for 2 to 3 weeks until you have participated in the screening. During these weeks, we advise that you carefully dry the affected area after showering. If there are no wounds on the area that you previously treated with zinc ointment, you could replace the zinc ointment with corn starch (please note: use as powder).
-
I use a wheelchair. Is the screening centre easily accessible?
Yes. However, please do contact our information line about this. We will then make a separate appointment for you.