Have you received an invitation to take part in a population screening, but don't know what it entails? Then read on.
A population screening is a medical examination of people who do not experience any symptoms. The examination aims to find disease, an inherited predisposition to disease or factors that make disease more likely. Participation in population screening is voluntary and free of charge.
In the Netherlands, we have three population screening tests for cancer, namely the population screening tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer. You may be invited to take part. See what this means for you.
Cervical cancer is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 60. Do you fall into this age group? Then we will invite you to the population screening for cervical cancer.
You can participate in the study in two ways:
After you turn 50, you will automatically receive an invitation for the population screening for breast cancer in the Netherlands. Women between the ages of 50 and 75 normally receive this invitation every two years. During the screening, a ru00f6ntgen picture of the breasts is taken, also known as a mammography. A doctor then assesses whether the breast photou2019s look normal or whether further investigation is needed.
This population screening aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage, often before you notice anything yourself. Taking part in the screening is voluntary. It is important to know that it has both advantages and disadvantages. So you decide whether or not to take part.
Note: Do you notice any changes to your breasts yourself, such as a lump or a change in shape or skin? If so, do not wait for an invitation to the population screening, but contact your GP right away. Early detection can make all the difference.
Bowel cancer is a serious disease that is common. Polyps and colon cancer are more common in people over 55 years old. That is why everyone aged 55 to 75 receives an invitation for the population screening every two years. This screening aims to detect bowel cancer as early as possible. Even before someone has symptoms. Participation is free and voluntary. You decide for yourself whether to take part.
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English (UK)
Nederlands 
English (UK)