Participating or not

Fee

The health screening (stool test) is free of charge. It is offered and paid for by the government. Any follow-up consultation (admission appointment and colonoscopy) does not form part of the screening programme. The costs relating to this follow-up consultation fall under your health insurance. You may have to pay the costs or some of the costs yourself. How much you have to pay depends on the level of your insurance excess and how much of this you have used. Please contact your health insurer if you have any questions about this.

Participating later or not participating

• Do you want to participate later?
  If you want to participate later, please be aware of the stool test’s use by date. This is stated on the packaging.
• Do you want to deregister?
  If you want to deregister you can indicate this via My Health Screening . You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. 
• Have you previously deregistered (for a non-medical reason) and would you like to participate again at a later date?
  That’s no problem. You can indicate this via My Health Screening. You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. 

When should you not participate

• If you are being treated for bowel cancer.
• If you have had a colonoscopy of your large intestine within the past five years.
• If you are receiving bowel treatment in a hospital.

If you are unsure about participating in the health screening, discuss this with your GP or specialist to see whether there is any point in participating.

Visit the GP if you have symptoms

Do you currently have complaints that may be related to bowel cancer? For example:

• Can you see blood in your stool, 
• Have you suffered from constipation or diarrhea for a long time without a clear cause?
• Do you have any bowel complaints?

Please do not wait for the next invitation for the health screening. Make an appointment with your GP straight away.