Colorectal cancer screening using immunochemical faecal occult blood testing in Japan.

Japan has had a programme of colorectal cancer screening with immunochemical faecal occult blood testing since 1992. Participation rates are around 17%. Approximately 7% of subjects test positive and, of these, around 60% comply with the request to undergo further diagnostic testing. Colorectal cancer rates have been increasing rapidly in Japan in recent decades, and there is an urgent need to improve participation rates.