Coronavirus
The government decided on a far-reaching lockdown due to the corona virus on Monday, December 14, 2020. These measures apply in any case until May 18, 2021.
Screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer are continuing despite the pressure on healthcare. If you have received an invitation, you can participate.
On this page you can read the latest state of affairs regarding cancer screening in corona time.
- Breast cancer screening
If you have received an invitation, you can make an appointment for your research yourself. You can do this via 'Mijn Bevolkingsonderzoek'' or contact your regional screening organization. You are welcome in one of our research centers. We have taken measures to conduct the screening safely. In this video you can see which measures we have taken.
It is currently not possible to invite women every 2 years. This is due to a shortage of personnel. Due to the corona virus, the delay in inviting has increased even further. That is why it has been decided to temporarily extend the period between 2 invitations to a maximum of 3 years. This is the reason that you will later receive an invitation to the breast cancer screening. For more information and frequently asked questions, click here.
- Cervical cancer screening
Do you have an invitation or a self-sampling kit at home? Then you can participate in the screening. Your doctor or doctor's assistant will make a smear test. To participate, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Your doctor takes the corona measures into account. It is therefore now also safe to have a smear test. Would you rather participate at home? Then request a self-sampling kit. Click here for more information about the self-sampling kit and an instructional video.
- Bowel cancer screening
If you have received an invitation, you can do the stool test at home. If a follow-up examination is necessary, you will receive an invitation for an intake interview at a colonoscopy center. The national aim is that the intake interviews and bowel examinations will continue after a referral from the screening. A single hospital may have to decide that the follow-up examination cannot go ahead. Hospitals and treatment centers have taken measures to prevent further spread of the corona virus. Before your appointment, check the website of the hospital or treatment center or contact the hospital or treatment center by telephone.
On the RIVM website you will find more general questions and answers regarding the termination of the screening.
Below you will find frequently asked questions for each screening. Is your question not listed? Please contact your regional screening organization. It may be that it is less accessible. You can also send an email. We will answer it as soon as possible.