Gender registration and screening

In Flanders, people who are legally registered as women automatically receive invitations from the Center for Cancer Detection to participate in the cancer screening program for:

• Breast cancer: mammography every two years for those aged 50–69
• Cervical cancer: cervical smear every three to five years for those aged 25–64

Opt-out:
If you are receiving an invitation that you wishes to opt out of (e.g. I don't have a cervix) this can be arranged via the following official channels:

• Breast cancer screening opt-out
• Cervical cancer screening opt-out

Opt-in:
Sometimes, an invitation can get lost in the mail. In these cases, a new invitation can be requested to the Center for Cancer Detection via email at info [at] bevolkingsonderzoek.be (info[at]bevolkingsonderzoek[dot]be) or by calling 0800 60 160 (weekdays 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00). This option is currently only available for people who are legally registered as a woman.

In Flanders, people who are legally registered as man do not currently receive invitations from the Center for Cancer Detection to participate in the breast and cervical cancer screening programs.

However, eligibility for screening tests should be based on current anatomy, age and other individual risk factors, regardless of legal sex registration. In these cases, a healthcare provider can provide a prescription and the test can be booked autonomously. Check whether a screening test may be appropriate for you:

• Breast cancer screening

• Cervical cancer screening

Details about reimbursement are provided below.

• Cervical smear (Pap test or HPV-DNA test)
  The cost of a cervical smear (not including the consultation fee) is reimbursed for people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, regardless of legal gender registration, as long as the recommended time interval between tests is respected.
  
  A cervical smear can be performed by:
  - A general practitioner (GP) – usually with a lower consultation fee (around €4)
  - A specialist (gynaecologist) – usually with a higher consultation fee 
  
  More information is available on the Center for Cancer Detection website.
   
• Mammography
  For people aged 50 to 69 who are not legally registered as women but are otherwise eligible (e.g. have breast glandular tissue), the cost of a mammography may be partially or fully reimbursed. This should be discussed with the prescribing healthcare provider to ensure that the indication for the examination is well documented and eligible for reimbursement.