Why we conduct this screening?
The population screening programme aims to detect abnormalities that could lead to colorectal cancer at the earliest possible stage. This increases the chances of successful treatment. This also often means that the treatment is less invasive. The colorectal cancer screening programme is for all men and women aged 55 to 75 years. During the colorectal cancer screening, we examine whether there is blood in your stool (poo). Blood in your stool could be a result of polyps and/or colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer starts as a polyp in the large intestine. A polyp is a small lump on the inner lining of the large intestine. Most polyps are benign, but colorectal cancer can develop in some polyps. People usually don’t notice anything when they have polyps.
How does the screening work?
Proven effective
2,311,058 invitations
The number of men and women who received an invitation in 2023 for the colorectal cancer screening programma.
1,484,959 clients
The number of men and women who participated in the colorectal cancer screening programma in 2023.
71,075 redirects
The number of clients who were referred to the hospital in 2023 following their participation in the colorectal cancer screening programma. This is 4,8%.
18,053 diagnoses
A total of 2,285 colorectal cancers and 15,768 advanced adenomas were found among the participants invited in 2023.