Participating in screening for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer screening is a test that checks for blood in the stool of asymptomatic individuals. The goal is to detect precancerous lesions or early-stage cancer, which makes treatment easier and improves survival.
Invitation to screening
Individuals aged 60 to 69 with residence in Iceland are invited to participate every two years.
You will receive an electronic invitation for screening via Heilsuvera.
A stool sample kit will be sent to you by mail.
You collect the stool sample at home.
You return the sample to a health center or send it by mail in the envelope provided with the kit, addressed to Landspítali’s laboratory, which examines the sample for blood.
You can also decline the invitation to participate.
If you are currently undergoing treatment or follow-up for polyps, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, you may not be suitable for screening. Discuss this with your doctor or the Cancer Screening Coordination Center.
Screening results
Screening results are sent electronically via Heilsuvera within four weeks.
If no blood is detected in the sample, you will be invited to participate again in two years.
If blood is detected, you will be offered a colonoscopy within four weeks, which can determine whether cancer or precancerous lesions are present.
If you decline the colonoscopy, you will be invited to participate again in stool-based screening after two years.
Further information
A brochure on Colorectal Cancer Screening are available in three languages.
Service provider
Primary Health Care of the Capital Area