Why screening?
Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in about one in ten people who get cancer in Iceland. The average age at diagnosis is around 69 years, and the disease is rare before the age of fifty. What makes screening so effective is the slow progression of the disease: from the moment a benign polyp forms in the colon mucosa, it can take 10–15 years for cancer cells to develop. During that time, the polyp can be found during a colonoscopy and removed on the spot. If cancer is already present, the prognosis is much better when it is detected early, often before any symptoms appear.
National screening for colorectal cancer began in Iceland in 2024 under the direction of the Directorate of Health and the Cancer Screening Coordination Center. People aged 60–74 are invited every two years to submit a stool sample (FIT test) that detects hidden blood in the stool. The sample is taken at home and sent to a laboratory; the result is received on Heilsuvera within three weeks. In about 6–8% of participants, blood is found in the sample – this does not mean that cancer is present, but then a colonoscopy is necessary to examine the colon and remove polyps if they are found. Klíníkin is an approved endoscopy site in the national screening program and performs the majority of the screening colonoscopies conducted following a positive stool sample in Iceland. The goal is to lower the age limit of the screening to 50 years once experience has been gained.
A colonoscopy is recommended when blood is detected in a stool sample during national screening, when symptoms appear – blood in stool, changed bowel habits lasting longer than a few weeks, unexplained anemia, abdominal pain, or weight loss – and for those at increased risk: if close relatives have had colon cancer or polyps, if you yourself have had polyps or cancer in the colon, or if you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The national screening does not yet cover people under sixty, but with us you can book a screening colonoscopy from the age of 45 if you are concerned or want to get checked for preventive purposes. About 5–10% of colon cancers can be traced to genetics, and in those families, surveillance with colonoscopy is started earlier and done more frequently.
How we can help
Colonoscopy for asymptomatic individuals who wish to have their colon examined for preventive purposes – due to age, family history, or a positive stool sample in the national screening program. Any polyps found are removed during the same procedure and sent for biopsy.
When blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, anemia, or abdominal pain call for an investigation. The gastroenterologists at Klíníkin assess the symptoms, perform the endoscopy, and follow up on the results with you.
Those who have had polyps or colon cancer require regular follow-up colonoscopies. We organize the follow-up in accordance with clinical guidelines and will send you an invitation when it is time for your next colonoscopy.
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Insurance coverage and prices
Iceland Health (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands) participates in the cost of all colonoscopies with us – whether they are performed due to a positive stool sample in the national screening program, due to symptoms, or for screening purposes. You only pay your patient share according to the Iceland Health tariff and your rights; further details on co-payments can be found on sjukra.is.
A screening colonoscopy can be booked without a referral from the age of 45. See price list.
Booking – by phone at 519 7000 or on My Pages. Screening colonoscopy can be booked without a referral from the age of 45; if symptoms are present, it is a good rule to start with a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
Preparation – a light diet the day before and a bowel prep solution (laxative) according to the instructions you receive upon booking, so the colon is empty and the mucosa is clearly visible. Let us know what medications you take – blood thinners and diabetes medications may require adjustment.
The Colonoscopy – usually takes 20–40 minutes. You lie on your side, and the doctor inserts a soft, flexible tube with a camera into the colon. Most people receive intravenous sedation and pain relief to make the procedure comfortable. Polyps found are removed during the same procedure and sent for biopsy.
After the colonoscopy – you rest for about an hour while the sedation wears off. Air in the colon can cause bloating for a few hours. After sedation, you must not drive home the same day and will need an escort.
Results and follow-up – the doctor will go over the results with you immediately after the colonoscopy; the biopsy results for polyps will be ready within a few weeks and will appear on My Pages. You will receive advice on if and when a follow-up colonoscopy is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a colonoscopy painful?
How often do you need to have a colonoscopy?
The stool sample in the national screening was positive – what now?
What if I am under sixty and worried?
