Colorectal cancer screening to be introduced on Statia

Last week, the RIVM team Bevolkingsonderzoek Caribisch Nederland visited Statia to prepare for the introduction of the colorectal cancer screening programme. This is the third cancer screening programme introduced on the island and the first that is also available to men.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon (large intestine) and is one of the most common cancers worldwide. When detected early, it can be treated successfully.

Together with the Public Health and Prevention Clinic, healthcare workers of the St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation (SEHCF), Auxiliary Home and the SEHCF laboratory, the RIVM team completed the final preparations to launch the screening programme in the second quarter of this year.

Once the programme begins, participants will be able to register with Public Health or SEHCF and collect their stool test kit at the SEHCF laboratory. The programme is free of charge and available to men and women aged 55 to 75.

For more information, please contact the Public Health and Prevention Clinic at +599 318 2891 or via WhatsApp at +599-318-5147.

A detailed explanation of the screening process is available at:
https://screeningcn.steffie.nl/en/modules/module_darmkanker
(Available in Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu)