Participating or not
Fee
The colorectal cancer screening programme (stool test) is free of charge. It is offered and paid for by the government. Any follow-up consultation (admission appointment and colonoscopy) does not form part of the population screening programme. The costs relating to this follow-up consultation fall under your health insurance. You may have to pay the costs or some of the costs yourself. How much you have to pay depends on the level of your insurance excess and how much of this you have used. Please contact your health insurer if you have any questions about this.
Participating later or not participating
- Do you want to participate later?
If you want to participate later, please be aware of the stool test’s use by date. This is stated on the packaging. - Do you want to deregister?
If you want to deregister you can indicate this via My Health Screening . You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. - Have you previously deregistered (for a non-medical reason) and would you like to participate again at a later date?
That’s no problem. You can indicate this via My Health Screening. You will need your DigiD to log in. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail.
When should you not participate
- If you are being treated for colorectal cancer.
- If you have had a colonoscopy of your large intestine within the past five years.
- If you are receiving bowel treatment in a hospital.
If you are unsure about participating in the population screening programme, discuss this with your GP or specialist to see whether there is any point in participating.
Visit the GP if you have symptoms
Do you currently have complaints that may be related to colorectal cancer? For example:
- Can you see blood in your stool,
- Have you suffered from constipation or diarrhea for a long time without a clear cause?
- Do you have any colorectal complaints?
Please do not wait for the next invitation for the colorectal cancer screening programme. Make an appointment with your GP straight away.
Frequently asked questions
I no longer wish to be invited. Is that an option?
Yes, that’s an option. You can deregister so that you no longer receive any invitations for future bowel cancer screenings. You can do this via My Health Screening, using your DigiD. You can also contact u by phone or e-mail. We need your signature to finalise your deregistration.
Do I need to participate every two years?
You should decide yourself whether you wish to participate. If you participate every two years, we have a higher chance of detecting polyps earlier.