The choice is yours!
If you want to take part in the cervical cancer population screening, then you choose how you want to take part!
Invitation received
Are you between 30 and 60? Then you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer population screening by post.
You will get an invitation if you are 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 years old. Cervical cancer usually takes 10 to 15 years to develop. This makes more frequent testing unnecessary.
Did you not take part last time or was HPV found that time? Then you will also get an invitation if you are 45, 55 or 65.
Difference between self-test and smear test
The self-test
Take part at your convenience and easily from home. You can do that with the self-test. Using the self-sampling device is simple. You don’t have to worry about not using the self-test properly. The instructions for the self-test with pictures will help you. You can also watch an instructional video. After use, send the self-test in the return envelope to the laboratory.
Take part at your convenience and easily from home. You can do that with the self-test. Using the self-sampling device is simple. You don’t have to worry about not using the self-test properly. The instructions for the self-test with pictures will help you. You can also watch an instructional video. After use, send the self-test in the return envelope to the laboratory.
The smear
For the smear test, make an appointment at your GP practice. The GP or doctor’s assistant explains how the examination goes. A small brush is used to collect cells from your cervix. The difference with the self-test is that the smear test involves taking material from the cervix, which is situated deeper in the body. This is why a speculum is used. The material from the smear is sent to the laboratory.
If HPV is found in a smear, then this smear is also immediately examined in the laboratory for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can cause cervical cancer in the long term.
If HPV is found in a smear, then this smear is also immediately examined in the laboratory for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can cause cervical cancer in the long term.
Need some help deciding between the smear test or the self-test? These choice diagrams will help you do just that.
I want to take part in the screening
If you want to take part in the cervical cancer population screening, you can do so as soon as you receive the invitation. Are you between 30 and 60? Then you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer population screening by post.
- Taking part in the self-test: you can ask to receive the self-sampling kit on the Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland website using your DigiD. You can log in directly here.
- Having the smear test done: call your GP practice yourself to schedule an appointment. Bring the invitation letter with barcode stickers on it to the appointment. The barcode stickers are needed for the screening programme.
- Want to have the smear test done but lost the invitation? You can report this through My Population Screening or contact the Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland information line.
Are you between 30 and 60? Then you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer population screening by post.
You will get an invitation if you are 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 years old. Cervical cancer usually takes 10 to 15 years to develop. This makes more frequent testing unnecessary.
Did you not take part last time or was HPV found that time? Then you will also get an invitation if you are 45, 55 or 65.
I want to take part in the screening
If you want to take part in the cervical cancer population screening, you can do so as soon as you receive the invitation. Are you between 30 and 60? Then you will receive an invitation for the cervical cancer population screening by post.
- Taking part in the self-test: you can ask to receive the self-sampling kit on the Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland website using your DigiD. You can log in directly here.
- Having the smear test done: call your GP practice yourself to schedule an appointment. Bring the invitation letter with barcode stickers on it to the appointment. The barcode stickers are needed for the screening programme.
- Want to have the smear test done but lost the invitation? You can report this through My Population Screening or contact the Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland information line.
Are you experiencing any symptoms?
Wait no longer for the invitation, but make an appointment with your general practitioner immediately!