How often should you have cervical screening?

In Belgium, have a smear test every 5 years between ages 30 and 64, and every three years between 25 and 29. In the Netherlands you are invited at 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60.

Cervical cancer develops slowly and causes no symptoms for a long time, so regular screening works well. From 30 the sample is tested for HPV; below that the cells are examined. Screening is also recommended if you are vaccinated against HPV; talk to your GP or gynaecologist.

1. Check when you had your last smear test
2. Book an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist
3. Choose a day when you are not on your period
4. Discuss the result with your doctor

20 to 40 minutes.

• invitation or appointment
• ID card

Flanders: Centre for Cancer Detection. Wallonia: CCRef. Brussels: Bruprev. Throughout Belgium: ages 25–29 every 3 years, 30–64 every 5 years. Netherlands: RIVM, invitations at 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60 (sometimes also 45, 55 or 65).

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This is a general public guideline, not personal medical advice. If you have symptoms or doubts, ask your doctor for advice.

Source

• Centrum voor Kankeropsporing (Vlaamse bevolkingsonderzoeken) — Hoe kan ik meedoen? – Bevolkingsonderzoek Baarmoederhalskanker
• CCRef (Centre de Coordination et de Référence, Wallonie) — Dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus
• Bruprev (Brussels centrum voor kankeropsporing) — Dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus
• RIVM (Nederland) — Bevolkingsonderzoek baarmoederhalskanker

Checked on: 2026-09-27

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