Fewer women invited for breast cancer screening due to staff shortages

Fewer women participated in breast cancer screenings last year due to staff shortages, particularly in screening laboratories. This decline in invitations has led to concerns about late cancer detection, which can result in more severe treatments and lower survival rates. Minister Hermans highlighted ongoing issues in a letter to the parliament, indicating no immediate improvements. Despite recruitment efforts for screening technicians and potential collaborations with hospitals, the situation remains critical. Participation in cancer screenings is vital, especially for women under 55 and over 70, who are less likely to attend. Projections suggest a rise in new cancer diagnoses and deaths in the coming years due to population growth and aging.