Belgium: Screening Campaign Country

What is the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme?

In Flanders, women aged 25 to 64 are invited to take part in the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, organised by the Flemish Government.
The programme offers a free smear test (Pap test) every three years to detect early cell changes before they develop into cancer.

Why participate?

Cervical cancer develops slowly and often shows no symptoms at an early stage.
Screening helps detect abnormalities early, allowing for simple and effective treatment — and greatly improving the chance of recovery.

The examination is quick and usually takes about 10 minutes. Your GP or gynaecologist collects a small sample of cervical cells, which is analysed in a laboratory. You’ll receive the results directly from your doctor.

The programme is coordinated by the Centre for Cancer Screening (Centrum voor Kankeropsporing) and is part of Belgium’s national strategy for cancer prevention.

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. 

For ages 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.

How the examination is conducted

Click here  to view how the screening programme is conducted in the form of a diagram (25-29 years).

Click here  to view how the screening programme is conducted in the form of a diagram (30-64 years). 

Further information about the cervical cancer screening programme can be found on the official website:

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