Bowel cancer screening in Lithuania: the free programme for ages 50–74
Who the programme is for
The programme's official name is Storosios žarnos vėžio ankstyvosios diagnostikos finansavimo programa (the bowel, or colorectal, cancer early diagnosis funding programme). It is for men and women aged 50 to 74 inclusive. Under this programme of the National Health Insurance Fund (Valstybinė ligonių kasa, VLK), the stool test for hidden blood — the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), in Lithuanian slapto kraujavimo išmatose testas — is free of charge once every 2 years.
Why the programme exists
The aim of the bowel cancer screening programme is to spot signs of the disease before symptoms appear, when treatment is usually more effective. The programme's main test is the FIT stool test, which detects invisible traces of blood in the stool. It is non-invasive — the sample is collected at home.
What a negative and a positive result mean
A negative test shows that no bleeding from the digestive tract was detected at that time, but it does not rule the disease out for good — which is why the test is repeated every 2 years. A positive result does not in itself mean a cancer diagnosis: blood in the stool can also be caused by haemorrhoids, ulcers or polyps, so further investigation is needed.
Colonoscopy and biopsy
A colonoscopy lets the doctor examine the lining of the large bowel from the inside and, if a suspicious change is found, take a tissue sample (a biopsy). That sample is examined under a microscope, and only then can the diagnosis be objectively confirmed or ruled out. These tests do not replace the doctor's assessment — the final conclusion is always made by a specialist (gydytojas specialistas), taking into account all test results, symptoms and personal medical history.
What the programme covers
- The FIT stool test (slapto kraujavimo išmatose testas)
- A referral (siuntimas) from your family doctor to a specialist if the test result is positive
- A colonoscopy and, if needed, a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis
How to get the test
- Contact your family doctor (šeimos gydytojas) about the FIT stool test if you are in the 50–74 age group
- If the test result is positive, the family doctor issues a referral (siuntimas) to a specialist for further investigation
- If you feel unwell but are not in the set age group, it is still worth contacting your family doctor — they will carry out the necessary tests and issue a referral if required
The programme at a glance
| Item | What the programme says |
|---|---|
| Programme | Storosios žarnos vėžio ankstyvosios diagnostikos finansavimo programa (bowel cancer early diagnosis funding programme) |
| Who it is for | Men and women aged 50 to 74 (inclusive) |
| Main test | The FIT stool test for hidden blood (slapto kraujavimo išmatose testas) — the sample is collected at home |
| How often | Once every 2 years |
| Cost | Free of charge under the VLK bowel cancer screening programme |
| If the result is positive | The family doctor issues a referral to a specialist; colonoscopy and, if needed, a biopsy |
| Where to start | Your family doctor (šeimos gydytojas) |
When to see a doctor without waiting for a scheduled check
- If you notice blood in your stool (red or black), or the stool turns black — see a doctor without waiting for a scheduled check
- If you have bloody diarrhoea or persistent rectal bleeding — get medical help the same day; in an emergency, call 112
- If you have unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or a sudden change in bowel habits — it is worth contacting your family doctor without delay
- If you feel tired and weak in a way that may be linked to anaemia — it is worth discussing this with a doctor, even if you are not in the 50–74 age group
Frequently asked questions
›Is the FIT stool test free?
Yes. For men and women aged 50–74, this test is carried out free of charge once every 2 years under the VLK bowel cancer screening programme.
›Who do I contact about this screening programme?
Start with your family doctor (šeimos gydytojas). They will explain whether you fall into the programme's age group and issue the referrals you need.
›What does a positive FIT stool test result mean?
A positive result means blood was found in the stool, but that does not in itself mean cancer — the cause may also be haemorrhoids or ulcers. Your family doctor will issue a referral for further investigation.
›Is a colonoscopy always done after a positive test?
Usually yes — during the colonoscopy the specialist examines the lining of the large bowel and, if needed, takes a tissue sample (a biopsy) to clarify the diagnosis.
›Can I be tested if I am under 50?
This screening programme is for the 50–74 age group, but if you have complaints it is worth contacting your family doctor at any age — they will assess whether tests are needed.
›How often does the FIT stool test need to be repeated?
Under the VLK programme the test is repeated every 2 years, if the previous result was negative and there are no new complaints.
Sources
Full site in Lithuanian: proactiva.app
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.