The Vital Importance of Population Screenings in Detecting Various Types of Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness — image created by author on NightCafe

As I looked around, it struck me how many people I know have encountered cancer, and some only discovered their condition thanks to population screenings.

I’d like to delve into their stories, explore Dutch statistics, and possibly even more.

Please note: In this article, when I mention women or men, I am specifically referring to individuals who were assigned these genders at birth.

Cervical cancer

This refers to the development of unusual cells in the cervical lining.

The screening

In The Netherlands, women receive their first invitation for a cervical cancer screening when they turn thirty. This screening is then repeated every five years until they reach sixty.

A prolonged infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer. Nearly everyone contracts HPV at some stage in their life, but the body typically manages to eliminate the virus on its own. Yet, if the immune system is weakened, this process may not be effective.

When the body fails to eliminate the virus, it can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix. These altered cells may become a precursor to cervical cancer, a condition that is often treatable if caught early. The screening process is designed to detect these abnormal cells.

Statistics in The Netherlands

Here are the statistics I was able to locate regarding cervical cancer in The Netherlands:.

In 2022, a total of 940 women received a cervical cancer diagnosis, while in 2023, that number dropped to 887.
Every year, cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 200 women.
38 out of every 100 women diagnosed with cervical cancer will pass away within the next ten years. These figures vary depending on the stage of the cancer. For women in stage 1, 92% survive for at least five years, whereas in stage 4, only 16% do so.
In The Netherlands, the frequency of cervical cancer diagnoses is quite low when compared to other EU nations.

Two Colleagues and Their Bout with Cervical Cancer This is the story of how two coworkers faced cervical cancer together. Despite the emotional upheaval, their shared experience brought them closer and strengthened their bond in unexpected ways. They navigated the challenges of diagnosis and treatment side by side, finding comfort in their mutual support.

A few years back, with roughly a year gap in between, two of my colleagues got call-backs after their cervical cancer screenings revealed abnormal cells. At the time, both were in their late forties.

The first of them returned and needed part of her uterus removed. After the surgery, they conducted another screening and confirmed that everything was clear — they had successfully removed all the cells. During the first year, she had to attend monthly checkups. In the second year, the visits were every three months, and then, for up to five years after the surgery, she had to go back every six months. They never found any abnormal cells again.

The second time followed a similar path as the first. However, despite another screening, abnormal cells were found yet again. They had to remove another section of her uterus, but the screening continued to reveal those abnormal cells. It seemed those cells were multiplying faster than anticipated. To cut a long story short, she eventually needed a full hysterectomy, which finally got rid of all the cells. Fortunately, with the same frequent checkups as before, the cancer did not return.

Participating in the screening

Back when I hit the age of forty, that was when cervical cancer screenings began. I believe it’s great that they’ve moved the starting age up by ten years now.

I got the invitation and took it to my doctor. You see, I had undergone a hysterectomy just a month before I turned twenty-five, so I knew I wasn’t required to go for the screening, but I needed a doctor's confirmation for that. He inquired if both my uterus and cervix were removed, and when I responded with ‘I think so,’ he decided to verify it. After checking, he entered some information into his computer, and I never received another invitation again.

Lung cancer

Before August 2022, there were no lung cancer screening programs. However, in the subsequent months, 400,000 Dutch individuals aged between 60 and 79 from three different regions received invitations to participate in a study aimed at detecting lung cancer early.

Statistics in The Netherlands

As of January 1, 2022, the number of individuals in The Netherlands diagnosed with lung cancer totaled 34,750.
In 2022, an additional 14,600 individuals received a lung cancer diagnosis.
From 1989 to 2022, the number of men diagnosed with lung cancer has dropped by around 50%.
From 1990 to 2022, the incidence of lung cancer diagnoses in women has seen a threefold increase.
In The Netherlands, the incidence of lung cancer diagnoses among women is notably high when compared to other EU countries.
Each year, lung cancer claims the lives of approximately 10,000 individuals.

Personal story

In late January 2017, my mom was diagnosed with metastasized lung cancer. The disease had progressed from one lung to the other, and the doctor informed her that the only available option was palliative chemotherapy.

On July 12, 2017, I lost my mom.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer arises when cells within the breast become damaged and begin to grow uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of a malignant tumor, which typically feels like a lump and is often visible on an X-ray. This type of cancer can originate in any part of the breast.

The screening

Women aged 50 to 75 receive an invitation for breast cancer screening every two years.

Appointments are conducted at mobile research centers where a lab technician captures two X-rays of each breast. Two doctors then examine the images for any visible abnormalities. You can expect the results within ten working days. If the doctor detects any irregularities, they will notify your general practitioner, who will then refer you to a hospital.

Statistics in The Netherlands

Breast cancer ranks as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women.
In 2022, breast cancer claimed the lives of 3,116 women. It stands as the leading cause of death among women aged 35 to 55.
Annually, approximately 17,000 individuals, including both women and men, are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of these cases, 20–25% involve people under the age of 50.
Each day, approximately 9 women lose their lives to breast cancer.
Breast cancer diagnoses are more common in The Netherlands than in many other EU nations.

A coworker and nearby resident's encounter with breast cancer.

Several months ago, we found out that a neighbor underwent a double mastectomy. Being in her forties, she decided to get a mammogram after noticing some irregularities in her breast. Unfortunately, the results showed it was the early stage of breast cancer, but only in one breast. Given the doctors' warning about the potential risk of it developing in the other breast, she made the decision to have both removed.

A colleague of mine, who was 60 years old back then, decided to undergo the population screening after receiving an invitation. Just two days before Christmas 2022, her doctor gave her a call and asked her to come in for an appointment that very day. She had a gut feeling it was related to the screening she had just completed two days prior.

The scan showed some irregular cells, so she was sent to a specialist. After another scan confirmed the presence of the cells, they scheduled a biopsy. Following the painful procedure, the diagnosis was clear: the early stages of breast cancer. The recommended treatment? A mastectomy.

However, they had also discovered abnormal cells in the other breast. My colleague wanted them to remove that breast as well, but it was not possible.

After having her breast removed, she underwent another scan and a biopsy on her other breast. Thankfully, the cells were not cancerous. However, by the end of this year, she will also have that breast removed, and reconstruction will be done using muscles and veins from her own body. Currently, they are assessing whether the veins are suitable for the procedure.

Participating in the screening

I had my initial screening in October when I turned 50, followed by another two years later. Due to the pandemic, my next invitation, which was supposed to be in 2021, was delayed and I got it in November 2022. I'm anticipating the next one to arrive by the end of this year.

Even though I routinely examine my breasts, I'm always anxious for the letter confirming everything is okay after I go for mammograms.

Closing words

To be honest, there are just too many of these stories surrounding me. The one that hits closest to home is my husband’s thyroid cancer. Another colleague of mine is battling bone cancer, which she only discovered when her kidneys nearly failed.

In addition to breast cancer checks, I also get asked to do colon cancer screenings and I always take part. Furthermore, my employer provides a complete health check-up every three years, and I never miss it. A colleague found out they had diabetes through this. Sadly, another colleague who was diagnosed with bone cancer never attended these screenings.

Population screenings serve an essential purpose. If they're available in your country, it's important to participate!