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Colorectal cancer screening has started

Colorectal cancer means cancers of the colon and the rectum. It is the third most common cancer in Finland: over 3,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year.

For whom, why and how?

Screening for colorectal cancer will be made nationwide from 2022 onwards. Screening will be introduced among men and women aged 60-68 years. Screening will be expanded by age group, and it will cover the entire target group, i.e. all 56-74 year-olds in 2031. Colorectal cancer is most common in this age group. Most of the colorectal cancers are found in this age group.

The new colorectal cancer screening programme started in Finland in April 2019.

In 2021 screening is offered in these municipalities:

Jyväskylä, Kaarina, Muurame, Orivesi, Oulu, Paimio, Sauvo, Säkylä, Tampere, Ylitornio, Kustavi and Posio.

During the first years of the screening programme in 2019-2020, all 60-, 62-, 64- and 66-year-olds are invited in volunteering municipalities.

Screening helps to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, before there are any symptoms. The aim of screening is to reduce deaths caused by colorectal cancer.

The screening test looks for traces of blood in the stool. The screening sample is taken at home during a toilet visit and mailed to the laboratory for analysis. The postage for the return envelope is prepaid.

Thinking about screening participation in special situations? Find out more.