Breast cancer research petition launched: ‘Don’t leave women in the dark’

“Give extra screening to women with thick breast tissue,” is the message on a large pink sign carried by the petitioners. Breast cancer patient Ineke van den Heuvel is among those who signed it. She participated in population studies for years, but the results always said no breast cancer was found. “Months later, just to be sure, I was referred by my doctor, and it turned out to be completely wrong,” she says.

Dense breast tissue

Van den Heuvel immediately filed a complaint with the population survey and was granted permission to visit The Hague. “That’s where all my pictures were hanging, all white.” The radiologist told her she has thick breast tissue and it’s hard to find signs of breast cancer, “because thick breast tissue is white and the tumor is white.” too.” When she asked why she did not know this, the radiologist replied that he was not allowed to give information about this. “That struck like lightning from a clear sky,” Van den Heuvel said.

Because it is not clearly visible, women are left in the dark. Christina Guerrero Paez, from the Dutch Breast Cancer Society, also believes that this should change. You should be told of course that you have dense breast tissue so it is not as obvious on a mammogram whether there is a tumor,” she says. “And that they are therefore happy to offer you an additional examination .”

worry

According to the Health Council, it is a burden to share this information with women. It would make women anxious and stressed and they would have to go through an MRI scan to find out if there is breast cancer. According to Guerrero Paez, that choice should be left to the women themselves: “Participate in a conversation, explain the advantages and disadvantages of an MRI scan and let someone make a well-considered choice.”

Another argument of the Health Council is that another study is currently underway on the identification of a tumor. Women may then not need an MRI scan. However, that is not a reason for Guerrero Paez to wait with this action. “That’s a study we’re also participating in, but that study has been running for 6 years and will continue for another 6 years. In the meantime, don’t leave the women that’s ignorant.”

Guerrero Paez hopes that the petition will lead to serious discussions in the House of Representatives. “And that they are challenging the Secretary of State to change the policy without notice very shortly.” The responsible Secretary of State Karremans was not present himself, but he announced that he would discuss the matter with the Health Council, Breast Cancer Society and Radiologists.