The public health institute RIVM is introducing changes to the national bowel cancer testing system because hospitals cannot cope with the large number of referrals, broadcaster Nos says on Thursday.

The test was introduced in January this year and involved 875,000 people aged 62 to 75. The aim is to identity bowel cancer earlier by looking for blood in faeces but so far more than twice as many people are being referred for more tests than expected.

Every year 13,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the Netherlands and 5,100 people die of the disease.

Reduction

The number of people being invited to take part in the test will be reduced temporarily to reduce the waiting lists while the testing process is further assessed, the RIVM said. In addition, the blood level will be raised from 88 nanogrammes per milligram to 275 nanogrammes.

Without intervention, long waiting lists will build up for further investigation, the RIVM said. It says the high participation rate and referral percentage is due to the sensitivity of the test which is being used. In addition, older people tend to have more positive results.

Eventually the test will be offered to everyone aged 55 and over, a total of some four million people.