About the campaign

“Let’s talk about cervical cancer Have you already #done the smear test or the self-test?”

A study commissioned by Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland showed that 79% of 30- to 34-year-olds would like to take part in the cervical cancer population screening programme. Yet only 41% of this group accepted the invitation in 2022. The study also revealed that one in three women do not talk about population screening. This is because they lack knowledge on the subject or find it difficult to talk about it.

Campaign by Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland, RIVM and KWF

To start the conversation, Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland, RIVM and KWF for the first time have joined forces to raise awareness for the cervical cancer population screening programme. We do this with the national campaign: “Let’s talk about cervical cancer. Have you already #done the smear test or the self-test?”

The right knowledge and good conversation

Tension and fear cause the most doubt about taking part in this population screening. This fear is for the smear itself and for the results. The study also showed that half of all women know little about what causes cervical cancer. The right knowledge and good conversation about experiences with the smear test and the self-test can provide support and potentially reduce fear. Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland, RIVM and KWF are therefore calling for people to start the conversation about the cervical cancer population screening programme. We are doing this together with women who share their experiences through social media, podcasts and this website. Because even if it’s your own choice, you’re not alone in choosing to take part. Have you already #done the smear test or the self-test?

Platform BMHK.nl

This platform is an initiative of Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and RIVM. We use the platform as a convenient one-stop location for key information about the cervical cancer population screening programme. Apart from factual information about the population screening, you will also find personal accounts and answers to frequently asked questions. With the help of BMHK.nl, we want to help anyone eligible for the cervical cancer population screening to decide whether or not to take part.

Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland and RIVM are responsible for the content of this platform.