In 2020-2021, 6.1 million people had a colorectal cancer screening test, a participation rate of 34.6%. A rate that is still too low, whereas the European recommendations estimate that a minimum of 45% screening of the target population should be carried out. “Approximately 43,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year. 18,000 die. How much will this number increase because of the delays? How many could have been saved if they had been detected in time?“, warns Daniel Nizri, president of the League against cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening, for whom?
All men and women aged 50-74 are invited to participate in organized screening for colorectal cancer. You don’t have to have a history, a poor lifestyle, or wait for symptoms to develop to get tested.
According to the Cancer League, 95% of cases are detected after 50 years.
Why carry out screening?
According to the National Cancer Institute, 6,500 deaths could be prevented each year through screening. Colorectal cancer first progresses most often without noticeable symptoms or signs: diagnosed at this stage, it is cured in 9 cases out of 10. Screening will make it possible to detect cancer even before it is symptomatic, and above all to detect precancerous lesions, called polyps, which take 5 to 10 years to turn into cancer.
Colorectal cancer: how is screening carried out?
The screening test is easy to access, totally free and painless. Every two years, the Health Insurance sends an invitation to carry out an immunological test at home. New for 2023: it is now possible to obtain the test in pharmacies. Until then, it was possible to request to receive the screening kit by post, after a request on the site www.monkit.depistagecolorectal.fr with the number appearing on the invitation received. This kit contains a tube, a sampling stick that will collect stools and a stamped envelope.
Since 2022, the results can be viewed online, on the website www.resultat-depistage.fr.
What prevention against colorectal cancer?
Even before the age of 50 and after the age of 74, the Ligue contre le cancer advises adopting good lifestyle habits to prevent the onset of the disease, in particular:
- Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption;
- Have a balanced diet, rich in fiber:
- Practice regular physical activity and fight against a sedentary lifestyle;
- Limit the consumption of red meat and banish nitrites.
In case of blood in the stools, unexplained weight loss or bowel disorders, consult a healthcare professional.
In France, “We tend to get sick younger than in other European countries. For what ? Several factors come into play, but overall we are bad at prevention in the face of diseases : risky behaviors, diet, sports practice, screenings… we do not encourage our young people enough to have a healthy lifestyle ! In the case of cancer, for example, 40% could be avoided… actions are needed on a larger scale for more effective prevention”, explains Emmanuel Ricard, Spokesperson for the National League Against Cancer.
Source :
- Press release, League Against Cancer
