The National Cancer Institute, the Ministry of Health and Sports and Health Insurance have announced the launch of an information program on colorectal cancer screening. This program aims to educate individuals aged 50 to 74 on the need for early detection in order to contain the disease. For three years, the month of March has been dedicated to the mobilization of colorectal cancer.
Throughout the month of March, campaigns and other information systems will be set up throughout France to raise awareness among the general public, especially men and women aged 50 to 74, about organized screening for colorectal cancer.
Men will have a dedicated press campaign to make them aware of screening. It will be presented in the form of a humorous comic entitled “5 minutes in the bathroom can save your life”. In a speech on the occasion of the launch of Colorectal Cancer Month, Roselyne Bachelot, Minister of Health and Sports, recalls that 47% of women participate in organized screening for colorectal cancer, against only 40% of men.
Individuals will also have access to an educational brochure, a poster translated into five languages, or an activity kit. The representatives of the Health Insurance will also sensitize the 45,000 treating physicians via a visit campaign and information kits. Finally, an updated user guide for the stool blood test is available on the website of the National Cancer Institute.
“This year, efforts will focus on improving organized screening for colorectal cancer, through a major awareness and information campaign. (…) Screening must be stepped up because it makes it possible to identify colorectal cancer at a very early stage in its development, or even to prevent it by detecting polyps, before they develop into cancer, “said Roselyne Bachelot in her speech.
Colorectal cancer kills some 17,000 people in France each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer.
Source: www.e-cancer.fr
