Erasmus MC has applied for a permit to conduct scientific research into the age ranges of the national population screening programme for colorectal cancer. In the current screening programme, individuals aged 55 to 75 years are invited for colorectal cancer screening every 2 years. The applicants aim to investigate the benefits and harms of a lower starting age. Additionally, they want to examine the effect of a higher upper age limit for a specific group of participants with a potentially increased risk of colorectal cancer. At the request of the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Health Council’s committee on Population Screening has assessed this permit application under the Population Screening Act (WBO).
The committee concludes that the proposed research is scientifically valid and that the benefits outweigh the harms. However, the committee notes that, under the current research design, the faecal blood test may potentially be analysed before study participants have provided written consent. Therefore, the committee advises the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport to grant the permit under the condition that the study is designed in such a way that consent is obtained from participants prior to the research.