published in Huisarts Nu 2008; 37(7) 341-61

• The GP checks all his/her patients over 40 years of age to establish whether they belong to a group with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. These groups are monitored in a manner different from the one described below (evidence level 3).·       
• On the GP’s initiative, he/she offers Hemoccult II® every 12-24 months to patients without increased risk who are 50 years and older (evidence level 1).·       
• Hemoccult II® is offered subsequent to consultation for other reasons (evidence level 1).·       
• Prior to being offered Hemoccult II®, the patient is given full details on the risks of colorectal cancer screening (evidence level 3).·       
• Treatment with vitamin C, is suspended for 48 hours before and during stool sampling days (evidence level 3).·       
•  If GPs are developing and reading the Hemoccult II® test themselves, they do not rehydrate the stools (evidence level 3).·       
• Positive FOBT results are always followed up by a full colonoscopic examination (evidence level 1).