These two measures aim to increase screening for colorectal cancer in people over 50 years of age. Today in France, it is very insufficient.
- The screening rate for colorectal cancer is 71.5% in the Netherlands and 58% in the United Kingdom.
- Europe has set a target of 45% for all member countries.
As part of the ten-year strategy (2021-2030) to fight cancer, the colorectal cancer screening kit is becoming more easily accessible. From October, it will be possible to order your kit online, and from the first half of 2022, it will be available from your pharmacist. Until now, you had to wait to receive a letter from Health Insurance, then make an appointment with your doctor to present it to him and finally get the test.
Only 29% of people over 50 get tested
In France, only 29% of people over 50 are screened for colorectal cancer, a figure that has been falling for several years. However, screening and early detection of this cancer lead to a cure in 9 out of 10 cases.
In 96% of cases, the kit test is negative and does not require further action. If it is positive, then a colonoscopy should be done. 38% of bleeding has a cancerous or precancerous origin. The test is recommended every two years, except in the presence of abnormal symptoms (bleeding, weight loss). In this case, a medical consultation is recommended.
17,900 deaths in 2018
Colorectal cancer affected more than 400,000 people in 2017, and caused 17,900 deaths in 2018. It is the second most common cancer in women, and the third most common in men.
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the lining (inner lining) of the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum constitute what is called the large intestine, that is to say the last part of the digestive tract. About 40% of cancers affect the rectum and 60% the colon.
