MRI breast screening for women with dense breast tissue is not slated to begin as part of routine mass screening until 2030, according to caretaker junior health minister Judith Tielen.
Dense breast tissue is present in about one in twelve women aged 50 to 70 who participate in the national screening program, and while it raises the risk of cancer, it also makes detection more challenging.
Magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to identify tumors at an earlier, more treatable stage compared with standard mammography in women with dense breasts. Earlier detection can reduce the need for more intensive treatment and may decrease mortality among this subgroup.
Tielen acknowledged the concern and described the delay as painful for affected women. However, she emphasized that the introduction cannot be accelerated. The public health institute RIVM supported a phased implementation to keep existing healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed.
Implementing the expanded screening would require additional staff for follow-up appointments and potential downstream treatments, which would add to current capacity burdens.
Breast cancer advocacy groups voiced disappointment with the decision. The Borstkankervereniging (Breast Cancer Association) argued there is sufficient capacity to start MRI screening sooner and suggested that reallocating unused or unnecessary imaging resources could free up space promptly for women in urgent need. The charity cited earlier research from Utrecht University’s teaching hospital, which suggested that earlier MRI screening could help detect hundreds of cases sooner.
Experts have long debated how best to incorporate MRI screening into population-wide programs. Proponents point to the potential for earlier detection in women with dense breasts, while opponents worry about cost, logistics, and the risk of overuse. The current plan emphasizes a phased approach and alignment with overall system capacity. Ongoing research and pilot programs may inform future adjustments to screening guidelines and timelines.
While MRI breast screening for women with dense tissue could improve early detection, the planned rollout remains scheduled for 2030, pending continued assessment of capacity and resource needs within the health system.
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