RIVM Publishes Implementation Assessment for Temporary Expansion of Breast Cancer Screening with MRI

For women aged between 50 and 75, the current screening consists of a biennial mammography, an X-ray of the breast. For women with very dense breast tissue, this method is less reliable, as tumors are harder to detect. Scientific research (the DENSE additional MRI screening for women with high breast density (additional MRI screening for women with high breast density)-1 study) has shown that MRI magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) can be a good alternative for this group.

Implementing MRI in the screening requires careful considerations. There must be enough staff and equipment available for other medical investigations requiring MRI. According to RIVM, it is possible to temporarily add MRI examinations to the breast cancer screening. RIVM advises organizing and funding the additional examinations through the screening. It is recommended that MRI examinations be carried out in hospitals and independent treatment centers, under the coordination of and with quality control by the screening. This way, the screening can be conducted uniformly and with good quality throughout the Netherlands.

In drafting the implementation assessment, various parties were involved, including hospitals, independent treatment centers, patient associations, doctors, researchers, and other stakeholders. The report is available today on the RIVM website and will be presented to the House of Representatives. The State Secretary of VWS Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) will decide on adding MRI examinations to the breast cancer screening.