Colorectal cancer screening
Individuals aged 60-74 are invited to participate in colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer screening is an effective way to reduce the mortality rate of the disease. The aim of screening is to detect the disease early and increase the chance of a cure.
See the brochure:
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Badania przesiewowe w kierunku raka jelita grubego (Polish)
Invitation to screening
The Cancer Screening Coordination Centre (Samhæfingarstöð krabbameinsskimana) sends a sampling kit for the stool test (FIT-test: Faecal Immunochemical Test), along with instructions on how to take a sample at home. The test checks for blood in the stool. Individuals take a sample at home, place it in an envelope marked Landspítali's laboratory, and deliver it to the nearest clinic or mail it.
Blood is estimated to be detected in around 6-8% of samples (positive FIT test).
If blood is found in the stool sample, a colonoscopy is recommended within 4 weeks. Colonoscopies are performed by self-employed gastroenterologists and surgeons who perform colonoscopies. The colonoscopy results are registered in a database that tracks results and follow-up.
People aged 60-74 receive an invitation for screening every 2 years.
All screening results are sent electronically through Heilsuvera.is - My pages.
Once sufficient screening experience has been gained, the aim is to offer screening to the 50-74 age group.
For healthcare professionals:
Flowchart for Colorectal Cancer Screening (Icelandic)
Professional Guidelines from the Directorate of Health for providers of colonoscopies and population-based screening for colorectal cancer (Icelandic)
Service provider
Directorate of Health