Early detection is important
Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the Netherlands. More than 15,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year. Since 2013, men and women between the ages of 55 and 75 have been screened for colorectal cancer through a population screening. This will probably prevent thousands of deaths.
Every year 4800 people die as a result of colon cancer. It usually starts as a polyp, a small growth on the surface of the colon. Only a small portion of these polyps will grow into a tumor, but over time they can colonize the intestinal wall and eventually spread to other organs. 9 out of 10 cases of colon cancer develop in people over the age of 55.
By detecting the disease at an early stage, the chance of a cure increases. Important warning signs are unexplained changes in gut behavior such as the onset of constipation or diarrhoea, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain and/or unexplained weight loss and anemia.
How does the population screening work?
In the national population screening, men and women between the ages of 55 and 75 are sent a special test at home every two years, a so-called FOBT. That stands for: fecal occult blood test. People can sample their stool at home by passing a ‘stick’ through their stool. Then they have to send it back.
In this test, invisible traces of blood can be found in the stool. This can be an indication of the presence of a polyp or cancerous, abnormal tissue. People with a positive result are invited for a colonoscopy.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera into the large intestine through the anus. He inspects the intestines for polyps, colon cancer or other abnormalities that could explain the blood in the poop. Any polyps are removed immediately. When the doctor finds an intestinal tumor, the patient is referred.
Because such a large survey requires careful preparation, it will be introduced gradually between 2014 and 2019. The population survey is intended for men and women aged 55 to 75 years.
