Mixed Picture of Participation in Population Screenings for Cancer

Breast Cancer

The breast cancer screening had a participation rate of over 65 percent. This continues the decline that has been ongoing for several years. Notably, people receiving their first invitation participated less frequently. In total, 874,391 people underwent a mammogram. Breast cancer was detected in 6,303 participants. 

Colorectal Cancer

More than one and a half million people aged between 55 and 75 were screened for colorectal cancer. Participation increased from 66.5 percent in 2023 to 67.1 percent in 2024. Remarkably, younger men in this group lagged behind, with participation dropping from 58 to 56 percent. Of all stool test results, 4.5 percent warranted further investigation. Polyps or colorectal cancer were found in 18,139 people.

Cervical Cancer

The increase in cervical cancer screening in 2024 (almost 5 percent more than in 2023) is partly due to the use of the self-test. Of the group of 30-year-olds who received the self-test, 85 percent used it. General practitioners now perform fewer smears because many people use the self-test. After direct referral, cervical cancer or a precursor was found in 2,984 people. In total, 385,768 people participated in the screening. This is 54.4 percent at the fifteen-month reference date. This percentage is expected to rise in the coming years. For example, participation from the 2020 invitation year increased in subsequent years to 66.3 percent, while it was still 49.3 percent after fifteen months.

Data Hack

The cervical cancer screening made the news this year due to a data hack at one of the involved laboratories. The consequences for participation are not yet clear.

Total

In 2024, more than 2.75 million people participated in the three population screenings for cancer. Nearly 27,500 cases of cancer or precursors were detected.