PausitoRoutine BuilderHow often should you do the bowel cancer home test?
In Belgium, do a free home stool test every 2 years between ages 50 and 74. In the Netherlands you receive the test every 2 years between 55 and 75.
The test looks for invisible blood in stool, a possible early sign of bowel cancer or polyps. Repeating it every two years also finds changes missed by an earlier test. If you have symptoms such as blood in your stool, see your doctor straight away.
- Wait for the kit by post or order one
- Check the expiry date on the tube
- Take the sample as instructed and send it off
- Discuss an abnormal result with your GP
More about this task
Why does it matter?
The test looks for invisible blood in stool, a possible early sign of bowel cancer or polyps. Repeating it every two years also finds changes missed by an earlier test. If you have symptoms such as blood in your stool, see your doctor straight away.
How do you go about it?
Wait for the kit by post or order one. Check the expiry date on the tube. Take the sample as instructed and send it off. Discuss an abnormal result with your GP.
What source is this answer based on?
This answer is based on: Centrum voor Kankeropsporing, CCRef, Bruprev, RIVM.
10 to 20 minutes.
- stool test kit
- instructions
Flanders: Centre for Cancer Detection (50–74, every 2 years). Wallonia: CCRef (50–74, every 2 years). Brussels: Bruprev, Colotest home stool test (50–74, every 2 years). Netherlands: RIVM (55–75, every 2 years).
Your routine is only saved once you confirm. No account, on this device.
This is a general public guideline, not personal medical advice. If you have symptoms or doubts, ask your doctor for advice.
Source
- Centrum voor Kankeropsporing (Vlaamse bevolkingsonderzoeken) — Bevolkingsonderzoek Dikkedarmkanker – home
- CCRef (Centre de Coordination et de Référence, Wallonie) — Dépistage du cancer colorectal
- Bruprev (Brussels centrum voor kankeropsporing) — Pourquoi faire le Colotest ?
- RIVM (Nederland) — Bevolkingsonderzoek darmkanker
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