Frequently asked questions
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Frequently asked questions about ColorectalScreen Norway.
Can I sign up for ColorectalScreen Norway?
No, unfortunately not. All residents of Norway will receive an invitation to take part in the programme when they are 55 years old. The colorectal cancer screening programme was established in 2022. If you turned 55 before then, you will not be invited.
When will I receive my first invitation to the screening programme?
All men and women are invited to screening the year they turn 55. People born in 1967 were the first to receive the offer. If you turned 55 before 2022, you will not be invited.
Why is screening offered at age 55?
When deciding who should be offered screening, the expected benefits must be weighed against possible disadvantages and risks. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and more than half the patients are over 70 at the time of diagnosis. Because colorectal cancer develops slowly, screening can detect cancer and precancerous lesions before this happens.
In 2017, the Norwegian Parliament decided that colorectal cancer screening in Norway should be offered to women and men at age 55. Before this decision was made, a comprehensive assessment was carried out by a broad expert group led by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
Colorectal cancer screening is intended for people who are assumed to be healthy and without symptoms. If you have symptoms, we recommend that you contact your GP for an assessment.
Is there a deadline for sending in the sample?
We would like you to send in the sample as soon as you are able to. There is no deadline, but please note the expiry date on the sample tube. The expiry date is printed on the label on the edge of the tube, below the hourglass symbol. You can order a new sample tube yourself on Helsenorge or by contacting us.
What happens if I do not send in the sample?
You may choose not to send in the sample, and you do not need to notify us. Unless you choose to stop receiving invitations, you will receive a new test kit every two years, up to five times.
I have had a colonoscopy. Should I still take part in screening?
If you are already in a colonoscopy follow-up programme, for example because of cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, you do not need to take part in the screening programme.
If you have had a complete colonoscopy within the past year, it is unlikely that you will benefit from sending in a sample to the screening programme at this time. You are welcome to take part when your next invitation arrives in about two years.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you speak to your doctor.
I have stomach or colon problems. Can I still send in the sample?
Yes, you can. Colon cancer screening is intended for people who are assumed to be healthy and without symptoms. If you have symptoms, we advise you to contact a doctor for an assessment.
Do haemorrhoids and menstruation affect the result?
The analysis cannot distinguish between blood from haemorrhoids, menstruation or bleeding from the bowel. We therefore recommend that people who are menstruating avoid taking the sample on those days. The same applies if you have visible bleeding from a diagnosed haemorrhoid.
At the same time, it is important to point out that even if you have bleeding from haemorrhoids, this does not rule out the possibility of bleeding from polyps or tumours in the bowel as well.
I do not want to receive invitations from you. What should I do?
You can stop future invitations from the screening programme yourself.
I have a serious chronic illness. Can I still take part in the screening programme?
If you have a serious chronic illness, the disadvantages of taking part in the screening programme may outweigh the benefits. We recommend that you contact your GP for help in assessing whether screening is right for you.
If you have already sent in the sample and have received an appointment for a colonoscopy, we recommend that you contact the hospital.
My large bowel has been surgically removed. Can I still take part?
The screening programme does not have medical information about the people who are invited. If you have had your entire large bowel removed, you do not need to take part. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, contact your doctor.
Does it cost anything to take part?
The stool sample itself is free of charge. If a colonoscopy is needed, you must pay a user fee. The colon-cleansing medication is covered by the health trust. Information about reimbursement of any travel expenses can be found at pasientreiser.no. You will receive more information in the appointment letter from the hospital.
How do I take the stool sample?
Here you will find information on how to take the stool sample. Instructions for use are sent out together with the test kit.
Should the liquid in the sample tube be there?
Yes, the liquid should remain in the tube. It is a buffer solution that stabilises the sample.
Is the sampling stick broken?
It is very rare for the stick to be damaged or for the tip to have broken off. The tip of the stick is green with grooves and is the same thickness as the rest of the stick.
Should I do anything with the piece of paper inside the small plastic bag?
No, this is absorbent paper and it should remain in the bag. It is there to absorb any leakage from the sample tube during transport to the laboratory.
What should I do if the collection paper tears?
You can place a good amount of toilet paper in the toilet bowl, or use an empty, clean container instead (for example an ice cream tub).
Can I order a new sample tube?
Yes, you can order a new test kit yourself on Helsenorge. You can also order one by contacting us by phone or email. You must provide your full name and date of birth so that we can find you in our systems.
Can I eat and drink as normal before taking the stool sample?
Yes, you can. The sample is not affected by food, drink or dietary supplements.
I am unable to send in the sample today. How should I store it?
The sample should be sent in as soon as possible. If you are unable to send it in on the same day, it should be stored in a refrigerator until you can send it. The sample remains usable for up to one week at room temperature, and two weeks if refrigerated.
What happens if blood is detected in the stool sample?
You will receive a letter from us with your test result in Helsenorge. If blood above the threshold value is detected, you will be informed where we are referring you for a colonoscopy. You can expect to receive a colonoscopy appointment from your screening centre shortly afterwards. If you do not hear anything within two weeks, you can contact the screening centre directly.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Your colonoscopy appointment letter from the screening centre contains information about the necessary preparations, including an explanation of how to clean out the bowel before the examination. Please read the appointment letter carefully.
If you have serious and/or chronic illnesses or use certain medications, you must contact the screening centre in advance of the examination. Contact information is provided in the appointment letter.
Will my travel expenses for the examination be covered?
Yes, you are entitled to have your travel expenses covered. You can find information about your rights on Helsenorge, or you can call Pasientreiser on 05515.
Why have I not been given a colonoscopy appointment at my local hospital?
Colonoscopy in ColorectalScreen Norway is not carried out at all hospitals in Norway. You will be referred to the screening centre responsible for the area where you live.
How long does the colonoscopy take?
The colonoscopy itself usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. If many or large polyps are found and removed, the procedure may take a little longer. Here you will find more information and a video about colonoscopy.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Some people experience cramping pain during a colonoscopy. This varies from person to person. Pain relief and/or sedative medication can be given if needed, but if you receive such medication, you must not drive until the next day. Here you will find more information and a video about colonoscopy.
Can complications occur in connection with a colonoscopy?
Complications such as bleeding or a tear in the bowel occur in approximately 1 to 7 out of every 1,000 colonoscopies. This is usually treated immediately during the examination itself, but some people may need to be admitted to hospital. Complications can also occur several days after the examination. If you experience abdominal pain, fever or blood in your stool, it is important that you contact the hospital.
Can I go to work after a colonoscopy?
Most people will be able to return to work the same day. However, if you have been given pain relief or sedative medication, you should not work and must not drive for the rest of the day.
How will I be followed up if polyps or cancer are found during the colonoscopy?
If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, most of them can be removed immediately. The polyps will be examined by a pathologist, and you will receive a letter from the hospital with the result and information about whether you need further follow-up. If further investigations are needed, you will be followed up by the hospital.
Why will I not receive any more test kits after I have had a colonoscopy?
After you have had a colonoscopy, you are no longer a participant in ColorectalScreen Norway. This means that you will not receive any more test kits. The reason is that colonoscopy is a thorough examination of the large bowel. If the examination does not show any findings, the risk of bowel cancer remains low for a long time afterwards. This is because bowel cancer usually develops slowly over many years.
If you need further follow-up after findings at colonoscopy, the hospital will follow you up.
No examination can give a complete guarantee. If you later develop bowel symptoms, you should therefore contact your doctor.
What personal data about me are registered?
Personal data that the Cancer Registry may register include your name, national identity number, address, municipality of residence, marital status, and municipality or country of birth. Here you can read more about privacy in ColorectalScreen Norway.