The National Cancer Institute (Inca) has announced the launch of a national information campaign on colorectal cancer screening. Tested in 23 pilot departments since 2003, screening, which consists of carrying out a stool blood test every two years (Hemoccult), is now offered in 98 departments. From September 13 to October 14, the National Cancer Institute encourages men and women over 50 to get tested.
The TV and radio information campaign, aimed at the general public, aims to play down screening, while emphasizing its importance. The third most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer, colorectal cancer affects 37,400 people each year.
In 94% of cases, it develops after 50 years. If the survival rate is 57%, it is “closely linked to the stage of development at the time of diagnosis,” recalls the Inca.
A 50% participation rate in organized screening of the population would allow a 15 to 20% drop in cancer-related mortality.
Organized screening, paid for by Health Insurance, is offered to people aged 50 to 74. 16 million people are affected. If the result is positive after stool analysis (2-3% of cases), a colonoscopy may be performed.
