The European cancer screening guidelines recommend colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for 50-74-year-olds. CRC mortality can be reduced with screening, but it is yet unclear if CRC screening affects various lifestyle related factors. Due to population-level nature of screening, even minor adverse effects in health related lifestyle might have relevance for public health. A national programme for CRC screening with repeated faecal occult blood (FOB) testing followed by colonoscopy for test

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... es has been running in Finland since 2004. Our aim is to clarify, if screening is introducing harmful effects on colorectal cancer risk related life style, thus reducing the potential benefit of an otherwise feasible screening programme. Methods A population-based random sample of 10648 Finnish adults born in 1951 living in the municipalities voluntary involved in CRC screening programme were sent a lifestyle questionnaire in 2010. In 2011, the 60-year old cohort was independently randomised (1:1) for their first ever CRC screening (invited) or control group (not contacted). The questionnaires were repeated in 2012 for all. From both survey rounds, 2508 pairs of completed questionnaires were available for analysis from the screening group and 2387 from the control group. The outcome was 2-year change in total lifestyle score of CRC risk related lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet and BMI). Results Preliminary results indicate that total lifestyle scores improved likewise in the screening group and in controls suggesting favourable changes for CRC risk in both groups. There was no difference by participation, either: the change in score did not differ in those participating screening compared to those invited, but not participated screening. Conclusions Present study found no unfavourable changes in total lifestyle in the studied age group after CRC screening. However, life style counselling could be included in screening setting.