Breast Cancer Screening Expanded with MRI Examination

This improvement requires careful preparation and implementation. Key points include maintaining the high quality of the screening program for the health of all women in the Netherlands. It is also necessary to prevent displacement as different groups need to share MRI capacity. The first MRI screening within the breast cancer screening program is expected to take place in 2030.

State Secretary Tielen: “This step is truly a breakthrough in a long-standing discussion. With my heart, I would have implemented this step yesterday. But with my mind, I had to weigh difficult choices. This means it will still take a few years before necessary steps and good preparation are completed. Based on research and in consultation with stakeholders – such as patients, doctors, and researchers – this is the best and least delaying step forward. We are doing everything possible to ensure that all women in the Netherlands participating in breast cancer screening benefit from this improvement as soon as possible.”

Now that the decision has been made, the RIVM is preparing an implementation plan as quickly as possible for the introduction of this MRI offer. The State Secretary remains closely involved throughout the implementation process to ensure all acceleration opportunities are utilized and, where possible, steps are carried out in parallel.

An example of maintaining maximum speed is that the State Secretary has decided to base the MRI offer on existing advice from the Health Council from 2020. This means no new advice is needed, saving up to a year. In 2031, when MRI screening is introduced and research into other techniques for women with very dense breast tissue (DENSE-2 study) is completed, the Health Council will be asked for new advice.