Implementation of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Finland: Experiences from the First Three Years of a Public Health Programme

Abstract BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colorectal cancer mortality can be reduced by repeated screening, using faecal occult blood testing. This report describes the implementation of service screening in Finland and performance indicators from the first three years. METHODS: The programme is based on gradual expansion over six years of implementation. It involves individual-level randomisation into screening or control arms among a target population of men and women aged 60 - 69 years. The effects will be evaluated comparing incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer in the invited arm with the controls. Th…