In 10 months, 2 million French people have performed the immunological screening test. The participation rate is higher than that observed with the previous test, Hemoccult.
Bet won for the French health authorities. Almost a year after the introduction of the immunological test, this method of screening for colorectal cancer seems to be well received by the French. On the occasion of Mars Bleu, the National Cancer Institute (INCa) achieves a first positive assessment: adherence to the new test is much higher than that of its predecessor, Hemoccult.
Twice as many cancers detected
Ten months have passed since the immunoassay was put on the market. Since May 2015, 2 million people have mailed samples to the laboratory. “The device is fully loaded over the second half of the year. We have now reached our cruising speed with 85,000 tests per week, ”says Frédéric De Bels, head of the screening department at INCa. Compared with the Hemoccult test, which suffered from poor adhesion (30%), the trend is significantly better.
Frédéric De Bels, responsible for screening at INCa: ” In a normal year with Hemoccult, we were at 2.4 million tests done. With 80,000 tests per week, we will have a much higher participation rate. “
If the immunological test is better received, it is above all because its realization is facilitated. Only one stool sample is needed, compared to three previously. Simpler then, but also more precise. This new technique detects twice as many cancers and 2.5 times as many advanced adenomas as the guaiac test. “This will prevent more cancers,” recalls Frédéric De Bels.
6 day delay
But it is still necessary that the people targeted by the screening carry out the sample in the rules, fill out the documents and send everything on time. Of the two million tests sent, 120,000 could not be analyzed “partly because of the deadlines”, according to the screening manager of INCa. Indeed, samples must be sent within 6 days.
Frédéric De Bels : ” The laboratory sends the results within 24 to 48 hours, provided that it has been done correctly. The test must be sent within 6 days, otherwise it cannot be scanned. “
The immunological test can be obtained from the general practitioner, who orders it from the Health Insurance. This concerns people aged 50 to 74 at average risk of colorectal cancer, and who have no family history. Here too, health professionals have adhered to the system rather well, with 47,500 of them having placed an order.
Watch the INCa explanatory video:
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