Fecal occult blood test screening in the United Kingdom

A decision has been taken to implement a national colorectal cancer screening program throughout the United Kingdom using biennial guaiac-based non-rehydrated FOBT. Its limitations are acknowledged and all participants in this screening program are made fully aware of these limitations before deciding whether or not to participate. It has to be recognized that the purpose of screening in the U.K. National Health Service is to reduce the burden of disease on the population and is only appropriate for population screening with risk defined purely by age. It does not address individuals' concerns, and for people at high risk of colorectal cancer by virtue of family history, proven genetic mutation, previous colorectal neoplasia, or inflammatory bowel disease, colonoscopic surveillance remains the standard of care. © 2006 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.