Screen for better prevention
In Quebec, 5,800 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,600 people died of this disease in 2009. “The first reason is that colon cancer continues to increase because the population is aging. It became the 2e cause of death from cancer, ie 1 in 16 women and 1 in 14 men, ”explains Dr.r Dionne.
“The other important factor is that by doing these screening tests, you can find a pre-existing or precancerous lesion called a ‘polype’. It’s a small, benign lesion; but if it is allowed to grow, it has significant possibilities of turning into cancer. However, if it is removed first, there will be no cancer, ”he adds.
“Colorectal cancer – unlike many other cancers – is cancer that can be cured if you catch it early. And by passing a screening test every 2 years, from the age of 50, we put a lot of chances on our side ”, estimates the Dr Pineau. This screening test (test for occult blood in the stool) can be done at home (see box).
According to the Drs Dionne and Pineau, people are more proactive when it comes to getting their blood pressure checked or having blood tests for cholesterol. “When it comes to cancer screening tests, it seems to be the opposite. It’s a bit like the fear of being screened for cancer, as if in hiding, the cancer would miss them. Even if it’s a little curious reaction, cancer generates fear, often paralyzing, in people, ”says Dr.r Pineau.
Stool Hidden Blood TestIt is the basic screening test for colorectal cancer. It is a question of taking a small piece of saddle that must be spread out on a cardboard box. This sample is given to the doctor or the laboratory to be analyzed by a technician. If there is blood, it will be recommended to pass the colonoscopy test which consists of inserting a small tube into the large intestine and a camera, which allows the doctor to see if there are polyps. If so, the specialist removes them and has them checked by a pathologist to determine if they are benign or cancerous. |
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Carole Boulé – PasseportSanté.net
1. Colon Cancer Screening Survey, commissioned by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network and conducted by Angus Reid, 2009.
