Many women aged 30 to 34 postpone participation in the cervical cancer screening program (CCS). Only 3 out of 10 women take action within 12 weeks of receiving their invitation. This is worrying, as the human papillomavirus (HPV) is most prevalent in this group. Cervical cancer develops due to a long-term HPV infection. To prevent postponement from leading to cancellation, the Netherlands Screening Program, RIVM, and the KWF (Dutch Cancer Society) are launching the nationwide campaign Do It Today! The campaign starts today during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.
Despite Increase, Participation Remains Low
The percentage of women aged 30 to 34 participating in the cervical cancer screening has increased from 41% in 2022 to 48% in 2023. Despite this positive trend, more than half of this group still ignores their invitation. This is mainly due to postponement. Reasons vary: women lose their invitation, are unsure if its still valid, forget, hesitate, or postpone due to pregnancy.
What You Can Do Today
With the Do It Today! campaign, women are encouraged not to ignore their invitation and to take immediate action. A checklist of actions you can take today is available at https://www.bmhk.nl/vandaag. This includes steps to take if you lost your invitation, are unsure if its still valid, are pregnant, or are hesitant.
Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented
Every year, about 900 women in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 200 people die from this disease. The risk is highest for women aged 30 to 45. By participating in the screening program, cervical cancer can be detected early or even prevented. If an abnormality is found, it often involves a precancerous stage that can be treated.
Pap Smear or Self-Test
From age 30, women receive an invitation every five to ten years to participate in the screening for free. Participation can be done at the GP with a pap smear or at home with a self-test for the presence of HPV. To make participation easier, all women in the Netherlands turning 30 since last July receive the self-test along with their invitation.