While nine cases of colorectal cancer in ten could be avoided thanks to screening, a study of the Arc Foundation reveals that the fear of results and the taboo surrounding the subject slow down prevention.
- Each year, 6,600 lives could be saved thanks to the screening of colorectal cancer, yet followed by only 34 % of the French concerned.
- A study of the Arc Foundation reveals that the fear of results and the taboo surrounding the subject slow down prevention.
- In 2025, it is urgent to normalize this discussion to increase the screening rate. For this, the Arc Foundation launches a quirky campaign, “don’t let go as long as they let go!” Hosted by Mr Popo.
Colorectal cancer is today the 2nd cause of cancer death in France when it can be healed in 90 % of cases if it is detected early. Each year, 6,600 lives could thus be saved in France if the screening was more practiced. However, only 34 % of the French concerned carry out this test, however simple and effective. Why such a blockage? On the occasion of World Cancer Day, this February 4, a new Study of the Arc Foundation (for cancer research) and the Verian cabinet reveals that the brakes are above all cultural and psychological.
A reliable test but too little practiced
French people aged 45 and over are well informed: 90 % of them recognize the importance of screening and 84 % consider reliability. However, acting remains difficult. One of the main reasons invoked is the fear of results, which dissuades 57 % of respondents.
But beyond this anxiety, a persistent taboo prevents an uninhibited dialogue on the subject: talking about its stool remains embarrassing for 40 % of French people, even disgusting for 42 %. And this reluctance increases with age: 54 % of over 45 and over find it difficult to talk about it, a figure that climbs to 61 % among 45-54 year olds. As a result, this also slows down collective speech: 45 % of French people say they are embarrassed at the idea of approaching this subject with their friends.
A public health issue
This cultural taboo directly affects the screening rate. If the approach is mainly initiated by doctors (56 %) or the presence of symptoms (46 %), the encouragement of loved ones, which plays a decisive role in other prevention campaigns, is very little mobilizing: only 11 % of French people say they were encouraged by a loved one to carry out the test.
François Dupré, director general of the Arc Foundation, insists: “Colorectal cancer is the second cause of death in France, and yet thousands of lives could be saved each year if a simple screening was not braked by a taboo. In 2025, it is time to play down the subject, from Break this taboo and screening obvious to save lives. “
A campaign to change mentalities
Faced with this issue, the Arc Foundation launches this February 4 the campaign “Do not let go as long as they do not let go!”, Hosted by Mr Popo, a mascot with “poop”. This offbeat initiative aims to normalize discussion around screening and encourage loved ones to play an active role in prevention. By breaking taboos and encouraging an open dialogue, the ARC Foundation hopes to significantly increase the participation rate in screening.
How does it work?
– First, go to Nelachezrien.fr And register a loved one.
– Mr. Popo then takes over by sending humor messages every day to WhatsApp to encourage your loved one to take action and take the test: videos, gifs, songs, stickers …
– The test is done? A simple “I did my test” and Mr Popo stops his reminders!
As a reminder, the test is simple, quick and reliable. Available free of charge in pharmacy or on the Internet, it can be made at home, in peace.
