Population Screening Act: Tomosynthesis in the national breast cancer screening programme

The health screening organisation Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland, in collaboration with Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), has applied for a permit to study the use of digital breast tomosynthesis in the national breast cancer screening programme. Digital breast tomosynthesis is an x-ray technique that creates a pseudo-three-dimensional images of the breast, instead of the two-dimensional images created with digital mammography. The researchers expect that using tomosynthesis will improve cancer detection rates. The Health Council’s Committee on Population Screening has concluded that the study is scientifically sound and the benefits outweigh the possible risks to the participants. The study also complies with the rules for medical practice. For these reasons, the Committee recommends that the Minister grant the requested permit.