TIMELY DETECTION IS IMPORTANT
HOW CAN I TAKE PART?
If you are aged between 25 and 29 and it has been more than 3 years since your last smear test, you will automatically receive an invitation from the Centre for Cancer Screening. This includes an invitation letter and a leaflet.
If you are aged between 30 and 64 and it has been more than 5 years since your last smear test, you will automatically receive an invitation from the Centre for Cancer Screening. This includes an invitation letter and a leaflet.
You make your own appointment with your GP or gynaecologist. Set a date when you do not have your period. Otherwise, the Pap smear cannot be assessed as well.
You can read what happens during the examination here:
Postpone for a while?
If you have just given birth, it is best to postpone the examination until six weeks after the birth.
How much does it cost?
The smear examination is free if you respect the recommended frequency:
• one preventive smear every three years if you are between 25 and 29 years of age
• one preventive smear every five years if you are between 30 and 64 years of age
You only pay for the consultation with your GP or gynaecologist. Of this, you get a portion back from your health insurance company. You therefore only pay the patient contribution on the condition that your GP or gynaecologist operates within the health insurance fund. Check with your health insurance company.
Who will not be invited?
You will not be invited for the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme:
- If you are between 25 and 29 years old and have already had a smear test in the past three years.
- If you are between the ages of 30 and 64 and have already had a smear test in the past five years.
- If you already have or have had cervical cancer;
- If your uterus and cervix have been removed. If only your uterus has been removed (hysterectomy), a smear test is still recommended. If you have any doubts, Ask your GP or gynaecologist for advice.
- If you are under 25 years old (in the year you turn 24, you are not yet invited)
- If you are older than 64 (in the year you turn 65, you will no longer be invited).
TIMELY DETECTION IS IMPORTANT
