[Screening for colorectal cancer nationally instituted in Sweden]

By September 2022 all 21 health care regions in Sweden had initiated a nationally synchronized screening programme for colorectal cancer. All citizens, 60-74 years old, are offered participation by mail every second year. The invitation letter includes a test kit for faecal Hb and a return envelope. The programme is administrated by a national unit, with nurses also answering questions from inhabitants in the whole country. F-Hb is analysed by one national laboratory using FIT (faecal immunochemical test) with a cut-off value of 40 µg Hb/g faeces for women and 80 µg Hb/g for men. Those testing positive are offered colonoscopy at regional endoscopy units. It's mandatory to join the  national quality register for units participating in the screening. Screening is estimated to save at least 300 patients annually. The rolling out of the programme is planned to be completed by 2026, comprising 1.65 million inhabitants.