MRI scans for women with dense breast tissue will be included in mass screenings for breast cancer but not until 2030, caretaker junior health minister Judith Tielen said on Thursday.

One in 12 women between 50 and 70 who participate in the mass screening has dense breast tissue. They are at greater risk of developing tumours, but detection is more difficult, putting them at greater risk of advanced breast cancer.

An MRI scan would detect tumours in an earlier stage, reducing the need for treatment and unnecessary death.

Tielen said she recognised that the long delay in introducing the extra checks was painful for the women concerned but said that is is not possible do bring forward the date.

The public health institute RIVM recommended phasing in the extra checks to keep the pressure on healthcare systems manageable. Extra scans also require more staff for follow ups and additional treatment.

Breast cancer charity Borstkankervereniging said it is very disappointed by the announcement and said that there is sufficient capacity to start MRI scans sooner.

“In fact, if unnecessary MRIs (such as many lower-back examinations) are reduced, space can immediately be freed up for women who are in urgent need,” the charity said.

Six years ago, researchers at Utrecht University’s teaching hospital concluded that such a measure could help detect hundreds of breast cancer cases earlier.